General Inspirational Poems
This section features a variety of uplifting poems that inspire hope and motivation in everyday life.
Through trials and triumphs, we stand tall,
Bound by love and trust, we'll never fall.
With friends by our side, we'll reach the sky,
Unstoppable together, you and I!
Poet: David V. Bush
The sunshine comes to bless and heal,
Yet some will cry "Too hot!"
It all depends on how you feel,
And on your kind of thought.
Refreshingly descends the rain,
But some dislike the wet;
Whether you find it joy or pain,
Is as your heart is set.
The wind has magic in its breath.
But some to this are blind;
It brings you songs of life or death
According to your mind.
So there's no weather truly bad,
If mortals only knew it;
Each kind in its own boons is clad -
It's only how you view it!
Poet: Sarah K. Bolton
Now is the time to love, and, better still,
To serve our loved ones, over passing ill
To rise triumphant ; thus the perfect flower
Of life shall come to fruitage: wealth amass
For grandest giving ere the time be gone.
Be glad to-day, to-morrow may bring tears;
Be brave to-day, the darkest night will pass,
And golden rays will usher in the dawn:
Who conquers now shall rule the coming years.
Poet Unknown
I have to live with myself, and so
I want to be for myself to know.
Always to look myself straight in the eye,
I don't want to stand, with the setting sun
And hate myself for the things I’ve done,
I want to go out with my head erect;
I want to deserve all men’s respect;
But here in the struggle for fame and self
I want to be able to like myself.
I don’t want to look at myself and know
That I’m bluster and bluff and empty show
I never can fool myself, and so
Whatever happens I want to be
Self-respecting and conscience free.
Poems to inspire and motivate you:
Poems On Determination
Poems About Frustration
Poems About Winning
Poems About Work
Poems About Confidence
Poems About Dreams
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer, ©2020
Always show love
Just be yourself don't compare yourself to others
Take one day at a time, that is all you're guaranteed
You are extraordinary, believe in yourself. . . .
Read the entire poem, Words To Live By
Poet: Julie Hebert, © 2013
There are people out there,
Who believe it's their right.
To tear others down,
And take away their light.
These people are mean,
And troubled all their own.
But they do not have the right,
To take away your throne.
So stand up tall,
And flutter those wings.
Never allow others to,
Take away your springs.
Be cheerful and happy,
Be lovely and chatty.
As no one can change you,
Unless you allow it.
Poet: J.J. Thorne
The dictates of a clear conscience
An honest heart will -feed
With bread of harmony baked by love,
Of a pious deed.
A gripeing- and malicious heart
Is filled with nature's greed.
The dictates of an honest heart
Approves an honest deed.
Truth and honesty is the best policy,
A lesson we all should heed;
It clothes us with raiment of honor
By an honest deed.
If we wander off in wrong
And our conscience do not lead.
We fail to abide by a guide
Of an honest deed.
The betterment of humanity
Is a universal need,
A large portion is contained
In an honest deed.
For the right and justification,
Our conscience will plead,
And place satan in the rear
By an honest deed.
The mysteries of humane weakness,
Our conscience will help to read.
Assisted by a wise heart
That loves an honest deed.
If we wish a happy harvest,
Let our hearts plant the seed;
Providence will reap the harvest
If our lives be an honest deed.
Poems to inspire a good day:
Just For Today Poems
A New Day Poem
Good Poems
Good Morning Poems
Goodbye Poems
Good Night Poems
Love's power brings joy to our days,
A connection that lights up in a blaze.
It warms our hearts and fills us with light,
Bringing us closer, day and night.
Poet: George L. Perin
Throughout the year, why not keep sweet?
No frown ever made a heart glad;
No complaint ever made a dark day bright;
No bitter word ever lightened a burden or made a rough road smooth;
No grumbling ever introduced sunshine into a home.
What the world needs is the resolute step,
The look of cheer,
The smiling countenance,
And the kindly word.
Key Reflections in these General Inspirational Poems:
- Your perspective shapes your reality – How you choose to view situations, whether challenges or blessings, determines the joy or pain you experience.
- Stay true to yourself and act with integrity – Embracing self-respect, honesty, and love leads to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
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Inspirational Poems for Life Challenges
These poems provide strength and courage to face difficulties and navigate through life's challenges.
Poet: Lillian E. Curtis
Tho' from the beaten path, perchance, you have strayed,
And pictures with dark spots in Memory are laid.
Pictures that truth and honor have cost,
Turn back, nor think you must meet a deplorable end,
As a matter of course, for there's still time to mend,
And you are not totally lost.
Do friends spurn you and contumely pass by,
Does there seem no pardon from even on High;
If in shipwrecks of doubt you are tost,
The past missteps may not be obliterated, 'tis true,
But redeemed with regrets, and pure aims in view,
For you are not totally lost.
Sink not in despair, let not hope nor courage forsake
There are few in life who make no mistake,
Some less temptations accost;
Despair only need come when remedies are ended,
Never for fractures that still may be mended,
And you are not totally lost.
If rash acts have made you outcast and forlorn,
The evening is dark, and darker the morn.
Showers of acrimony o'er you are tost;
All need a draught from the sin-forgiving-cup.
Instead of sinking lower, strive to rise up.
For you are not totally lost.
Poet: Julie Hebert, © 2012
That might seem a little blurry.
There are two days of every week,
That we should all not worry.
Some of us tend to worry,
every single day.
But there are two days of the week,
that we should instead pray.
Today is the day that we,
will live out and choose our route.
But tomorrow or yesterday,
are either done or not played out.
So these two days we should reserve,
for only happy thoughts.
Worrying is never good,
we should try and disconnect the dots.
Yesterday has already passed,
with all its past mistakes.
There is no point to worrying,
mistakes are part of life's stakes.
Tomorrow hasn't even come,
to worry would be a waste.
Why spend so much energy,
and possibly change how tomorrow is faced.
Worrying can do much more,
than any of us see.
We know we can't change the past,
but the future we can lead.
So don't allow yourself to worry,
about things that have passed.
And don't allow yourself to worry,
about things that haven't even past.
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer, © 2011
When shadows fall and doubts arise,
When mountains loom against the skies,
Remember, hope will light your way,
With every dawn, there’s a new day. . . .
Read the entire poem, Be Inspired
Poet: Robert R. Rivers, ©2020
Is this not all you deserve,
Despite the wants that seem in reserve?
Did you not want more things desired
But got much less than you aspired?
Are we all so set and mired
In nothing more than fate desired?
Are we to think that no one's empire
Is only a dream to be desired?
Beyond the hills you so clearly see
Many others who grasp better quality.
Those things that hearts so clearly see
Are for others and not for me.
Why should I settle for less than others
I must admit I'm feeling smothered.
I long for all those things I planned
But only get what has not been banned.
What fate, then, do I deserve
If not like others without reserve.
What can I do to change my past
So I can grasp and gain at last?
So is it not more than my desires
That I can change what fate requires?
I know what I am able to do
I am more than what is taboo.
You see, I believe, that windows can open
For all those who see great future for certain.
It is not fate that casts me down
But only destructive thoughts make me drown.
Find inspiration and motivation in these poems:
Motivational Poems
Positive Poems
Positive Attitude Poems
Rainbow Poems
Sunshine Poems
Meaningful Poems
Poet: David V. Bush
"When each thing has gone awry,
Grit your teeth and bear it!
"When you choke and heave a sigh,
Grit your teeth and bear it!
When your luck is not with you,
Life's horizon streaked with blue,
Pluck and sand will pull you through —
Grit your teeth and bear it!
When your plan's been blown away,
Grit your teeth and bear it!
There will dawn another day.
Grit your teeth and bear it!
When your feet are slipping fast.
And you're dwelling on the past,
Brace yourself — these things can't last —
Grit your teeth and bear it!
When they say, "we told you so",
Grit your teeth and bear it!
Free advisers seldom know —
Grit your teeth and bear it!
You have got the stuff to win;
Finish it if you begin;
Fill your lungs and lift your chin!
Grit your teeth and bear it!
Poet: David V. Bush
When your plans have gone awry,
Things will straighten if you try.
When perplexed just what to do,
Sand and grit will help you through.
Let this be your final clue —
Stick to it!
When your schemes have taken wings,
Vict'ry comes to him who sings.
When your project's wrecked and smashed;
Plans by hostile critics lashed;
And you feel your spirit thrashed,
Stick to it!
When your back is nearly broke,
Race is won by ONE MORE stroke —
Lost your rudder in the gale;
Seems that you are bound to fail?
Storm-clouds clear; misfortunes pale —
Stick to it!
Key Reflections in these Inspirational Poems for Life Challenges:
- Perseverance leads to success – Even when faced with setbacks, challenges, or failures, the determination to keep going can help overcome obstacles and lead to eventual triumph.
- Hope and positive thinking are essential – No matter the circumstances, maintaining hope, courage, and a positive outlook can transform situations and prevent despair.
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Spiritual and Religious Inspirational Poems
Explore poems that connect with faith, spirituality, and a sense of higher purpose.
Poet: Unknown
Only a drop in the bucket;
But every drop will tell;
The bucket would soon be empty
Without the drops in the well.
Only a poor little penny;
It was all I had to give;
But as pennies make the dollars.
It may help some cause to live.
Only some outgrown garments -
They were all I had to spare;
But they'll help to clothe the needy.
And the poor are everywhere.
A word now and then of comfort,
That cost me nothing to say;
But the poor old man died happy.
And it helped him on the way.
God loveth the cheerful giver,
Though the gift be poor and small:-
What doth He think of His children,
When they never give at all?
Poet Unknown
To try is better than the thing you try for;
To hope is higher than the height attained;
To love is greater than the love you sigh for,
To seek is nobler than the object gained.
"To wrestle with the angels," this avails,
Although the motive for the wrestling fails;
To learn is more essential than the knowing,
To know is deeper than the wisdom found.
To live is grander than all life's bestowing,
To advance more fruitful than the vantage ground.
To give is far more blessed than receiving,
To tell the truth needs not to force believing.
To speak is voice eternal in vibration.
To blaze a trail is safer than hewn road.
To think is power of infinite creation.
To trust is finer than to see your God.
To think — to act — these bridge the world's abysses.
To die — no soul has told a soul what this is.
Poet: J.J. Thorne
We all some day must part,
And death we Cannot abstain;
The pure in heart
Will meet again.
Not take love and human life,
As did revengeful Cain,
The pure in heart
Will meet again.
A generous heart is filled with love,
No goodness to disdain,
The pure in heart
Will meet again.
Piety and a good conscience
Makes our whole lives fain.
The pure in heart
Shall meet again.
Perversion and intemperance
Have made many minds insane.
The pure in heart
Shall meet again.
Let us live in peace and harmony
With filial love and compassion of pain.
The pure in heart
Shall meet again.
Let the dictates of our conscience
Over temptation reign.
The pure in heart
Shall meet again.
If we do as we wish to be done by
Our lives will leave no stain.
The pure in heart
Shall meet again.
Love places humanity in despair
And pleasure it does obtain.
The pure in heart
Shall meet again.
Let's do all within our power
That we may not fall in vain.
The pure in heart
Shall meet again.
Inspiring poems to consider:
Poems About Compassion
Poems About Empathy
Forgiveness Poems
Judging Others Poems
Poet: Unknown
There's never a day so sunny
But a little cloud appears,
There's never a life so happy
But has its time of tears;
Yet the sun shines out the brighter
Whenever the tempest clears.
There's never a garden growing
With roses in every plot;
There's never a heart so hardened
But has one tender spot;
We have only to prune; the border
To find the forget-me-not.
There's never a sun that rises
But we know 'twill set at night;
The tints that gleam in the morning
At evening are just as bright;
And the hour that is the sweetest
Is between the, dark and light.
There is never a cup so pleasant
But has bitter with the sweet;
There is never a path so rugged,
Bearing not the print of feet,
But we have a helper furnished
For the trials we may meet.
There is never a way so narrow
But the entrance is made straight,
There is always a guide to point us
To the "little wicket gate."
And the angels will be nearest
To a soul that's desolate.
There is never a heart so haughty
But will some day bow and kneel;
There is never a heart so wounded
That the Saviour cannot heal;
There is many a lowly forehead
Bearing now the hidden seal.
There's never a dream so happy
But the waking makes us sad;
There's never a dream of sorrow
But the waking makes us glad;
We shall look some day with wonder
At the troubles we have had.
Key Reflections in these Spiritual and Religious Inspirational Poems:
- Small acts of kindness have a significant impact – Even the smallest contributions, whether through charity, compassion, or a kind word, can make a big difference in the lives of others.
- Hope and perseverance guide us through hardships – Challenges and difficult moments are inevitable, but with faith, kindness, and resilience, brighter days and greater understanding await us.
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Motivational Poems for Success
Poems designed to inspire ambition, perseverance, and success in both personal and professional endeavors.
Poet: Unknown
Never say, "I can't," my dear;
Never say it.
When such words as those I hear,
From the lips of boy or girl,
Oft they make me doubt and fear:
Never say it.
Boys and girls that nimbly play,
Never say it.
They can jump and run away,
Skip and toss and play their pranks;
Even dull ones, when they're gay,
Never say it.
Never mind how hard the task,
Never say it.
Find some one who knows, and ask,
Till you have your lesson learn'd;
Never mind how hard the task;
Never say it.
Men who do the noblest deeds,
Never say it.
He who lacks the strength he needs,
Tries his best and ne'er gives o'er,
Surely will at last succeed;
Never say it.
When good actions call you near,
Never say it.
Drive away the rising fear,
Get your strength where good men do,
All your paths will then be clear,
And you'll find a happy year;
Never say it.
But when tempted to do wrong,
Always say it.
In your virtue, firm and strong,
Drive the tempter from your sight,
And when follies round you throng,
Ever say it.
Poet: Unknown
What we call Luck
Is simply Pluck,
And doing things over and over;
Courage and will,
Perseverance and skill -
Are the four leaves of Luck’s clover.
Poet: Julie Hebert, ©2015
Our lives are full of negative thoughts,
Not just from you or me.
But many people around us,
I’m sure you will agree. . . .
Read the entire poem, Don't Let People Bring You Down
Poet: Unknown
How many sick ones wish they were healthy!
How many poormen wish they were wealthy!
How many ugly ones wish they were pretty!
How many stupid ones wish they were witty!
How many bachelors wish they were married!
How may Benedicts wish they had tarried!
Single or double, life's full of trouble;
Riches are stubble, pleasure's a bubble!"
In the chase for joy and glee,
We search for what sets our hearts free.
Finding happiness in little things,
Like the dance of butterflies on wings.
In this vast world, your view is key,
Determining your success, you see.
Keep a positive outlook, never despair,
For your viewpoint shapes what's fair.
So view the world with eyes that shine,
And successful paths will soon align.
More inspiring poems:
Poems About Fate
Poems About The Future
Poems About Peace
Wisdom Poems
Poems About Creativity
Poems About Imagination
Poet: Byron Pulsifer, ©2020
I've looked and gazed upon the stars
For the everlasting wisdom from seminars.
I've found the ways and means
To seize the pearls that I can glean.
There is so much to absorb
For wisdom needs to be disrobed.
The quest to reach the top
Is never something that can be dropped.
Upon the day I do shine
Without a worry, I feel divine.
For wisdom comes throughout the day
It is always my great mainstay.
For those who doubt that wisdom comes
They are those who are held ransom,
Because they seem to say
I can't find a way, I'm always gray.
To those who seek beyond the norm
Hold out your hand and join the swarm.
Wisdom is not denied you see
When you run with hearts of glee.
I am not so one to cry
I'm sure not one to be shy.
For wisdom comes to those who quest
So never more to settle for less.
Poet: Robert R. Rivers, ©2020
The old things occurring in the past
Oh so painful, you ask, will they last?
The times before oft times you wouldn't think
But these things, it seems, go by in a blink.
Oh, now what shall I think
Will I ever be beyond the brink?
Will I go on as I have before
Or, will I be forever cast ashore?
Is there any hope to be seen;
Is there happier times to think?
Shall I not ever venture forth again,
Beyond the shores to make some gain?
Do not be full of fear I think,
But is this not foolhardy like frothy drink?
Oh so sad, I think, that this may be so
To never think past my worried woes.
It is not, I think, to be so mired
In all those things as past desires.
I know that life is not so cast
That I should think of all things past.
For in the morning, does not the sun align,
That I might not think of more things to shine?
Be not dismayed when I define
The world to show is still refined.
Now I see far past my pain
There is more to life than to abstain.
To think that I might not have grasped
All that, I want, I saw at last.
Key Reflections in these Motivational Poems for Success:
- Perseverance and positive action lead to success – Overcoming challenges requires persistence, courage, and a refusal to give up. Success is achieved through effort, learning, and maintaining a positive attitude.
- Mindset shapes your reality – How you view the world determines your experience of it. Keeping a hopeful and optimistic outlook, even in difficult times, helps unlock potential and leads to greater fulfillment.
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Positive Thinking and Gratitude Poems
These poems promote positive thinking, gratitude, and an appreciation for the good things in life.
In every breath, in each step, I find pure delight,
For life's precious treasures, they give me such might.
Every moment, a gift, a chance for appreciation,
Grateful for it all, overflowing with abundant elation.
Showing gratitude and giving back inspires you and others:
Gratitude Poems
Giving Poems
Poems About Happiness
Poems About Contentment
Poems about Being Happy
Poems About Blessings
Poet: David V. Bush
When joy comes into your heart,
Pass it along!
A smile 's a gem you should impart;
Pass it along!
Someone should share your joy with you;
Someone should smile because you do;
Someone should be as cheerful, too —
Pass it along!
Read the entire poem, Pass It On
Poet: Unknown
If you'll sing a song as you go along,
In the face of a real or a fancied wrong;
If, in spite of the doubt, you will fight it out
And show a heart that is brave and stout;
If you'll laugh at the jeers and refuse the tears,
You'll force the ever reluctant cheers
That the world denies when a coward cries
And gives to the man who bravely tries, —
And you'll win success with a little song.
If you'll sing the song as you go along.
If you'll sing a song as you go along,
You'll find that the singing will make you strong.
And the heavy load and the rugged road.
And the sting and the strife of the torturous goad
Will soar with the note that you set afloat,
That the beam will change to a trifling moat, —
That the world is sad when you are sad.
And bright and beautiful when you are glad;
And that all you need is a little song.
If you'll sing the song as you trudge along.
Key Reflections in these Positive Thinking and Gratitude Poems:
- Embrace life with gratitude and joy – Every moment is a precious gift, and finding delight in the small things fills life with happiness and strength.
- Spread joy and positivity to others – Sharing happiness and maintaining a positive attitude, even during challenges, uplifts both yourself and those around you, helping to make the journey of life brighter.
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Short Inspirational Poems
A collection of brief yet powerful poems that convey motivation and inspiration in just a few lines.
Rising up from the depths of despair,
Facing adversity with courage and flair,
Every challenge becomes a chance to grow,
Defeating obstacles, our confidence will show.
In bonds of friendship, we find our might,
A force that lifts us up and takes flight.
Shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand,
Together we conquer a fearless band.
The pursuit is thrilling, never dull,
As we revel in life's joyful lull.
With every step, a new discovery,
Reflecting on happiness, our hearts full of glee.
With determination burning bright,
We conquer hardships, embracing the fight.
Triumphant and strong, we navigate the way,
Overcoming adversity, our spirits burn come what may.
Be inspired to extend friendship and kindness to others:
Inspirational Friendship Poems
Poems About Helping Others
Kindness Poem
Abundance Poem
Poems About Community
Wishing Poems
Poems About Memories
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Famous Inspirational Poems
Featuring classic and well-known poems that have inspired generations with their timeless wisdom.
Poet: Edgar A. Guest
When you get to know a fellow, know his joys and know his cares,
When you’ve come to understand him and the burdens that he bears,
When you’ve learned the fight he’s making and the troubles in his way,
Then you find that he is different than you thought him yesterday.
You find his faults are trivial and there’s not so much to blame
In the brother that you jeered at when you only knew his name.
You are quick to see the blemish in the distant neighbor’s style,
You can point to all his errors and may sneer at him the while,
And your prejudices fatten and your hates more violent grow
As you talk about the failures of the man you do not know,
But when drawn a little closer, and your hands and shoulders touch,
You find the traits you hated really don’t amount to much.
When you get to know a fellow, know his every mood and whim,
You begin to find the texture of the splendid side of him;
You begin to understand him, and you cease to scoff and sneer,
For with understanding always prejudices disappear.
You begin to find his virtues and his faults you cease to tell,
For you seldom hate a fellow when you know him very well.
When next you start in sneering and your phrases turn to blame,
Know more of him you censure than his business and his name;
For it’s likely that acquaintance would your prejudice dispel
And you’d really come to like him if you knew him very well.
When you get to know a fellow and you understand his ways,
Then his faults won’t really matter, for you’ll find a lot to praise.
Poet: John Ruskin
To watch the corn grow, or the blossoms set;
To draw hard breath over plowshare or spade;
To read, to think, to love, to pray, -
These are the things
That make men happy.
Read these famous inspirational poems:
Famous Inspirational Poems
Desiderata Poem
If Poems
Inspirational Poems for The New Year
Vacation Poems
Poet: David V. Bush
Think smiles, and smiles shall be;
Think doubt, and hope will flee.
Think love, and love will grow;
Think hate, and hate you'll know. . . .
Read the entire poem, Think On These Things
Poet: Unknown
We often fail by searching far and wide
For what lies close at hand. To serve our turn
We ask fair wind and favorable tide:
From the dead Danish sculptor let us learn
To make occasion not to be denied.
Against the sheer, precipitous mountain side,
Thorwaldsen carved his lion of Lucerne.
by Henry vanDyke
I turned an ancient poet's book,
And found upon the page:
"Stone walls do not a prison make,
Nor iron bars a cage."
Yes, that is true, and something more:
You'll find, where'er you roam,
That marble floors and gilded walls
Can never make a home.
But every house where Love abides,
And Friendship is the guest,
Is surely home, and home, sweet home,
For there the heart can rest.
Key Reflections in these Famous Inspirational Poems:
- Understanding breeds compassion – When we take the time to truly get to know others, we see their struggles, virtues, and complexities, which helps us let go of prejudice and judgment.
- Happiness comes from simple, meaningful actions – True happiness and contentment are found in everyday tasks, connection with others, and embracing the love and friendship around us, rather than in material things or distant pursuits.
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