Famous Inspirational Poems - Page 3

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41. It Might Have Been

Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850-1919) uses this poem to show that people have the power to make their own destiny. Most of the stanzas start with “We will (be/do/climb),” which brings attention to the belief that we will each become what we set out to become. This poem is made up of quatrains (four-line stanzas) that follow the ABAB rhyme scheme. Although Ella Wheeler Wilcox was born to poor family and received many rejection letters for her poetry, she remained optimistic and kept working hard for what she wanted.

Famous Poem
- By Ella Wheeler Wilcox
We will be what we could be. Do not say,
"It might have been, had not or that, or this."
No fate can keep us from the chosen way;
He only might who is.

We will be what we could be. Do not say,
"It might have been, had not or that, or this."
No fate can keep us from the chosen way;
He only might who is.

We will do what we could do. Do not dream
Chance leaves a hero, all uncrowned to grieve.
I hold, all men are greatly what they seem;
He does who could achieve.

We will climb where we could climb. Tell me not
Of adverse storms that kept thee from the height.
What eagle ever missed the peak he sought?
He always climbs who might.

I do not like the phrase, "It might have been!"
It lacks all force, and life's best truths perverts:
For I believe we have, and reach, and win,
Whatever our deserts.
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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. It Might Have Been

42. Don't Take Your Troubles To Bed