Famous Inspirational Poem

Many of the poems by Edgar Guest (1881-1959) are encouraging and share important life lessons. In this poem, he shares powerful advice about standing strong in the face of trials and dark days. The poetic technique of repetition is used at the end of each stanza with the line, “See it through.” That brings the reader's attention to the themes of courage and perseverance.

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I was feeling down, discouraged, confused and all sorts of unpleasant ways today. Going through a failed marriage, raising two young boys by myself, but moreover struggling with my own...

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See It Through

By Edgar A. Guest more Edgar A. Guest

When you’re up against a trouble,
Meet it squarely, face to face;
Lift your chin and set your shoulders,
Plant your feet and take a brace.
When it’s vain to try to dodge it,
Do the best that you can do;
You may fail, but you may conquer,
See it through!

Black may be the clouds about you
And your future may seem grim,
But don’t let your nerve desert you;
Keep yourself in fighting trim.
If the worst is bound to happen,
Spite of all that you can do,
Running from it will not save you,
See it through!

Even hope may seem but futile,
When with troubles you’re beset,
But remember you are facing
Just what other men have met.
You may fail, but fall still fighting;
Don’t give up, whate’er you do;
Eyes front, head high to the finish.
See it through!

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Has this poem touched you? Share your story!

by Tamara Keyonna Watson
1 year ago

This poem touched my heart from the bottom to the top. It was a beautiful poem.

by Sipokazi
2 years ago

I was feeling down, discouraged, confused and all sorts of unpleasant ways today. Going through a failed marriage, raising two young boys by myself, but moreover struggling with my own emotions, I just googled "encouragement poems" because I knew that's basically what I needed at the time. Good to say the poem hit somewhere in me , at the core, to know that the situation I'm experiencing now is only temporary and it also gave me a will to see this journey I've started through. I was reminded that I'm not and never was a quitter. I'll see it through!

by Deborah M. Figueira, Toronto
5 years ago

Edgar Guest's poem caused me to reflect back to a situation where this poem would be best suited. In 2015, one of my daughter's best friend, a truly lovely girl, committed suicide at the age of 26. Maybe, just maybe, if only she could have read something like this minutes prior, she may have paused to ponder her decision, but it's difficult to assume. Depression can be insidious even for those who are aware of its presence in their life. Compounded by the daily stresses of toil and trouble, those afflicted can feel hopeless. This poem reminds us that just when you think you can no longer go on, a new day can bring new hope and new beginnings. See it through is a classic because each and every one of us, rich or poor, young or old, deal with our own stresses every day. Very worthy to see it through indeed!

by Beryl L Edmonds, United Kingdom
5 years ago

Edger Guest's poetry at its best, a message of hope for the world to digest...

Stand Your Ground

When life is getting rough and tough
And your heart's in someone's thrall
Face the world with a smile of grace
Never let the teardrops fall
Life's meant to be happy and glad
Not crease your brow with a frown
No one should, only a fool would
Stand your ground!

by Fasak
6 years ago

I am so in love with this that I can hardly explain the feeling. I feel like I can take on the whole world now.

by Subhash Bansal
6 years ago

Edgar Guest's poem is an inspirational one. What does a reader expect while reading a poem? Sometimes it is romantic feelings or entertaining thoughts or sad sentiments, but most of the time it’s guidance. Guidance about the various sources of strength to face the odd, hostile, difficult or totally unfavorable circumstances. The one sentence of this poem - “see it through” - gives lot of hope and constructive suggestions. It is very difficult and challenging to write such poems with minimum words and a lot of useful suggestions. I strongly recommend this poem to be preserved for posterity.