Inspirational poems can sound like trite greeting cards. But not the poems included in this guide. From inspirational poems filled with defiant courage to a parent’s advice to a child or an inspiration to forget the past, this collection of inspirational poems won’t insult your intelligence.
10 Best Inspirational Poems and Where to Find Them: #1, Success
A little known inspirational poem that weaves its magic over everyone who hears it. Success by Berton Brailey has a fantastic rhythm, a repetitive opening word filled with possibilities, and an ending that feels as satisfying as discovering the answer to a riddle. This inspirational poem is simple enough to please the young and old alike. Read Success by Berton Brailey at the official Berton Brailey website.
10 Best Inspirational Poems and Where to Find Them: #2, If
Perhaps the most famous poem in the world, If by Rudyard Kipling is an inspirational poem from a parent to a child. It’s a recipe for being the best that you can be, being the ideal, being man the hero. It’s an inspirational poem that sends out the clear message that inside all of us is the potential for greatness. Listen to If by Rudyard Kipling, or read it at Every-Poet.
10 Best Inspirational Poems and Where to Find Them: #3, Invictus
This poem inspires with defiance. Invictus by William Earnest Henley is an angry inspirational poem, seeing the darkness and hardship of life, but casting man as unbreakable in the face of it. To anyone who laughs at inspirational poems as hollow, sweet, and silly, this inspirational poem will send a shudder down his spine with its indomitable courage. Read Invictus by William Earnest Henley.
10 Best Inspirational Poems and Where to Find Them: #4, Don’t Quit
An inspirational poem that will grab you from the first line and keep you reading, nodding and breathless for the ending. Don’t Quit is one of the best inspirational poems ever written, and yet the author is unknown. “Success is failure turned inside out, the silver tint of the clouds of doubt…” Don’t miss out on this beautiful inspirational poem. Read Don’t Quit on the School Study Council of Ohio.
10 Best Inspirational Poems and Where to Find Them: #5, The Road Not Taken
Perhaps the best-loved inspirational poem from an American poet, The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost is a tale of choice and individualism. Originally titled, Two Roads Diverge in a Yellow Wood, this inspirational poem weaves a beautiful natural metaphor for the fork in the road we all face in shaping our lives. Read The Road Not Taken on Washington University’s website.
10 Best Inspirational Poems and Where to Find Them: #6, Start Where You Stand
Full of wisdom, this inspirational poem by Berton Brailey addresses the scars of the past. Start Where You Stand is an inspirational poem for anyone, young or old, who has seen sadness, pain and loss, and now must move on and start afresh. Read Start Where You Stand by Berton Brailey.
10 Best Inspirational Poems and Where to Find Them: #7, The Man Who Thinks He Can
This little known inspirational poem comes from an obscure poet little is known about. The Man Who Thinks He Can from poet Walter D. Wintle captures the essence of success-the spirit of the man behind it. This inspirational poem will touch the heart of anyone who ever felt self-doubt and disappointment. Read this delightful inspirational poem at Poetry Fountain.
10 Best Inspirational Poems and Where to Find Them: #8 Climb Till Your Dream Comes True
This beautiful inspirational poem comes from Helen Steiner Rice. Climb Till Your Dream Comes True says it all, in simple words and rhymes that cast magic over the reader. It’s hard to inspire and motivate without sounding trite, but this poem does it effortlessly. Read Climb Till Your Dream Comes True by Helen Steiner Rice.
10 Best Inspirational Poems and Where to Find Them: #9, The Art of Start
This is the shortest inspirational poem on this list. Made of four brilliantly simple lines, The Art of Start by Charles Ghigna reduces the formula of success into practical advice. It’s a charming poem that you’re sure to love. Read The Art of Start by Charles Ghigna.
10 Best Inspirational Poems and Where to Find Them: #10, The Daffodils Poem
This inspirational poem is William Wordsworth’s best known poem. The Daffodils casts the magic of nature on us, inspiring us with beauty as nature so often does. Visit this picturesque scene by a lake, and take away the vision of the dancing daffodils to inspire you. Read the Daffodils poem by William Wordsowrth.
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