Famous Inspirational Poems - Page 3

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41. How Did You Die?

In "How Did You Die?" by Edmund Vance Cooke (1866 - 1932), the poet challenges readers to confront troubles with bravery and resilience. Through rhyming couplets and rhythmic flow, the poem captivates with its rhythm. Metaphors and vivid imagery emphasize the importance of facing adversity head-on and not succumbing to fear or defeat. The recurring refrain highlights that it's not the circumstances themselves, but rather one's attitude and response, that truly matter. The poem encourages readers to live a life of courage and integrity, where the measure of success lies not in avoiding defeat or death, but in how one faced life's challenges and embraced the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Famous Poem
- By Edmund Vance Cooke
Did you tackle that trouble that came your way
With a resolute heart and cheerful?
Or hide your face from the light of day
With a craven soul and fearful?

Did you tackle that trouble that came your way
With a resolute heart and cheerful?
Or hide your face from the light of day
With a craven soul and fearful?
Oh, a trouble's a ton, or a trouble's an ounce,
Or a trouble is what you make it,
And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts,
But only how did you take it?

You are beaten to earth? Well, well, what's that?
Come up with a smiling face.
It's nothing against you to fall down flat,
But to lie there -- that's disgrace.
The harder you're thrown, why the higher you bounce;
Be proud of your blackened eye!
It isn't the fact that you're licked that counts,
It's how did you fight -- and why?

And though you be done to the death, what then?
If you battled the best you could,
If you played your part in the world of men,
Why, the Critic will call it good.
Death comes with a crawl, or comes with a pounce,
And whether he's slow or spry,
It isn't the fact that you're dead that counts,
But only how did you die?
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42. Don't Take Your Troubles To Bed

In the poem "Don't Take Your Troubles To Bed" by Edmund Vance Cooke, the poet advises against carrying the burdens of the day into the realm of sleep. Through concise and straightforward language, the poem offers a simple yet profound message. The poet uses rhyme and rhythm to create a lyrical quality, enhancing the poem's flow. The repeated refrain emphasizes the importance of leaving worries and troubles behind at the end of the day. The personification of Death adds a sense of urgency and reminds the reader of the fleeting nature of life. Ultimately, the poem urges readers to find solace and peace in sleep by releasing their troubles and embracing the restful respite of the night.

Famous Poem
- By Edmund Vance Cooke
You may labor your fill, friend of mine, if you will;
You may worry a bit, if you must;
You may treat your affairs as a series of cares,
You may live on a scrap and a crust;

You may labor your fill, friend of mine, if you will;
You may worry a bit, if you must;
You may treat your affairs as a series of cares,
You may live on a scrap and a crust;
But when the day's done, put it out of your head;
Don't take your troubles to bed.

You may batter your way through the thick of the fray,
You may sweat, you may swear, you may grunt;
You may be a jack-fool if you must, but this rule
Should ever be kept at the front: --
Don't fight with your pillow, but lay down your head
And kick every worriment out of the bed.

That friend or that foe (which he is, I don't know),
Whose name we have spoken as Death,
Hovers close to your side, while you run or you ride,
And he envies the warmth of your breath;
But he turns him away, with a shake of his head,
When he finds that you don't take your troubles to bed
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41 - 42 of 42

Famous Inspirational Poems - Page 3

41. How Did You Die?

42. Don't Take Your Troubles To Bed