The Roads of Happiness

Edgar A. Guest's poem reflects happiness found in love, faith, kindness, and simple living.

The roads of happiness are lined, not with the friends of royal splendor, but with the loyal friends and kind.

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Updated January 1, 2025 by Catherine Pulsifer

Edgar A. Guest’s The Roads of Happiness reminds us that true joy isn’t found in chasing wealth or fame but in the simple, meaningful connections we build with others. Through his heartfelt words, Guest paints a picture of happiness as a journey we take alongside loved ones - where kindness is abundant, faith is central, and life's little moments bring the most fulfillment.

This poem invites us to step back and think about what really matters. It's not about rushing through life for fleeting pleasures but about cherishing the everyday blessings: walking hand in hand with loved ones, sharing laughter with friends, and living each day with gratitude. Guest’s message is clear—happiness is a choice, and it’s found in the humble, loving paths we choose to follow.

The Roads of Happiness

Poet: Edgar A. Guest

The roads of happiness are not
The selfish roads of pleasure seeking,
Where cheeks are flushed with haste and hot
And none has time for kindly speaking.
But they're the roads where lovers stray,
Where wives and husbands walk together
And children romp along the way
Whenever it is pleasant weather.

The roads of happiness are trod
By simple folks and tender-hearted,
By gentle folks that worship God
And want to live their days unparted.
There kindly people stop and talk,
Regardless of the chase for money,
There, arm in arm, the grown-ups walk
And every eye you see is sunny.

The roads of happiness are lined,
Not with the friends of royal splendor,
But with the loyal friends and kind
That do the gentle deeds and tender.
There fame has never brought unrest
Nor glory set men's hearts to aching;
There unabandoned is life's best
For selfish love and money making.

The roads of happiness are those
That do not lead to pomp and glory
But wind among the joys and woes
That make the humble toiler's story.
The roads that oft we used to tread
In early days when first we mated,
When hearts were light and cheeks were red,
And days were not with burdens freighted.

Key Messages from this poem:

Happiness is found in love and togetherness, not in chasing worldly pleasures.
This poem reminds us that life’s real joy comes from sharing moments with those we care about, not from selfish pursuits.

Kindness and faith make life richer and more meaningful.
Guest emphasizes how living with a kind heart and a focus on faith brings lasting happiness and peace.

Simple, humble paths lead to true contentment, not fame or fortune.
The message is clear: it’s the little things, like love and loyalty, that make life truly fulfilling.

Related:

Poems About Being Happy - Discover more poems that celebrate the joy of life and inspire you to embrace happiness in everyday moments.

Happiness Quotes - Explore uplifting quotes that reflect the wisdom found in Guest's poem, reminding us that happiness is within our reach.

Poems About Contentment - Find poems that echo the message of this page: contentment and simple living are keys to lasting happiness.

Quotes About Being Happy - Read quotes that inspire you to see happiness as a choice, much like Guest’s reminder to focus on what truly matters.

The Little Roads To Happiness - Dive into another perspective on how life’s little things can lead to big joys and meaningful moments.

Smile Poems - Smiles are contagious and bring happiness to others. These poems capture the magic of sharing happiness through a simple smile.

Poems About Living A Simple Life - Discover poems that highlight how simplicity and humility, like in Guest's work, lead to true happiness and fulfillment.

The roads of happiness are trod by simple folks and tender-hearted

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