Famous Inspirational Poem

In this poem, Douglas Malloch (1877-1938) shares an encouraging message for readers of all ages. Although we don't all hold prestigious jobs, we can all be the best at who we are. Our position in life doesn't make us more or less valuable. The beauty of this world is shown when each person does what he has been called to do and does it with great pride. When we measure our success by the standards of this world, many of us will feel as though we've fallen short. Douglas Malloch reminds us that success is measured by being the best at whoever you are. Like many, he came from humble roots, but he used his gift of writing to touch the lives of many people.

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Two years ago I was in depression and isolated. I felt frequently that I was worthless and deserved no love, no appreciation, no friends. I kept myself aloof from everyone, thinking that I...

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Famous Poem

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Be The Best Of Whatever You Are

By Douglas Malloch more Douglas Malloch

If you can't be a pine on the top of the hill,
Be a scrub in the valley — but be
The best little scrub by the side of the rill;
Be a bush if you can't be a tree.

If you can't be a bush be a bit of the grass,
And some highway happier make;
If you can't be a muskie then just be a bass —
But the liveliest bass in the lake!

We can't all be captains, we've got to be crew,
There's something for all of us here,
There's big work to do, and there's lesser to do,
And the task you must do is the near.

If you can't be a highway then just be a trail,
If you can't be the sun be a star;
It isn't by size that you win or you fail —
Be the best of whatever you are!

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Has this poem touched you? Share your story!

by Yohna
1 year ago

Success is measured by being the best at whomever you are. Therefore, be the best of whatever you are.

by Pawan Baghwar
2 years ago

Two years ago I was in depression and isolated. I felt frequently that I was worthless and deserved no love, no appreciation, no friends. I kept myself aloof from everyone, thinking that I was not capable of performing well. I had started hating myself. Then I took a book to overcome my depression. While reading that book I read this inspiring poem for the first time. It changed me completely. Now I guide depressed people in my little way.

by Matthias Mitchell
2 years ago

This poem is saying to do everything you do 110 percent.

by HOSwrites
3 years ago

This poem has such a fantastic message. I think that so many times we think we have to be better at doing something than the one who really is better at it. Not everybody who tries out for the football team can be a quarterback. If I really want to be a part of the team I kinda have to let the coach decide how I can best contribute to the team. If I fight the coach, then I could end up either off the team or worse yet, hurting the team. Being the best at what I can do, is what I should try to do as best I can.

by Marlon A.Alanes Jr.
3 years ago

Wow, I remember my teacher said, "Be the best at what you do."

by Subhash Bansal
4 years ago

This short and simple-worded poem gives a lot of courage, hope and peace to every person living in this world irrespective of wealth, wisdom, knowledge and status. It neither talks of comparison, nor of competition. The philosophy underneath this poem is not to feel small, jealous or vindictive on seeing others but to get involved fully with what we have been doing or what we wish to do in times to come.
Really an excellent poem in a few but meaningful words.

by Suhas G. Patwardhan
4 years ago

The poet urges readers to be the best in spite of their current positions, social standing, etc. The poet wants readers to do their best irrespective of whatever they are. An inspirational and motivational poem makes readers feel cheerful, optimistic, energetic and enthusiastic enough to make others happy. The poet has used two contrasting images, ones that are desirable and the others not so good. He wants readers to do their best and forget the rest. He advises readers, "Give to the world the best you have and the best will come back to you."

by AVANISH K R, Shivamogga
4 years ago

Wow, I remember my teacher said, "Be the best at what you do. Better to be a great sheep than a lousy lion."