journey through life poem

Embark on a Journey of Life: Exploring the Pathway’s Prose

In our journey through life, we navigate a complex and ever-changing pathway, encountering diverse experiences, challenges, and moments of joy. It is a journey marked by significant milestones, lessons, and the pursuit of meaning and fulfillment. Along the way, we ponder the meaning of life, seek our purpose, and grapple with the obstacles that come our way. How do we grow and evolve as we encounter these challenges, and where do we find happiness and contentment? These questions shape our understanding of the journey of life and the legacy we hope to leave behind.

Join us as we explore the pathways of life, the lessons we learn, and the moments that shape us in our quest for happiness and fulfillment.

Key Takeaways:

• Life is a journey filled with different paths, challenges, and lessons.
• Finding our purpose and overcoming obstacles are key to achieving fulfillment in life.
• By leaving a positive impact and finding joy, we can create a meaningful legacy on our journey of life.

10 Amazing Poems About The Journey of Life

1. pathways unfold.

In life’s journey, a path winds and bends, A story that twists, turns, and extends. Each step, a tale of dreams and fears, Years of laughter, joy, and tears.

We walk in the light, and sometimes in the dark, Marking our trail with an indelible mark. Life’s road with its highs and lows, Shows us where the heart truly goes.

Through forests of doubt and fields of hope, We cope, finding ways to adapt and cope. In every journey, a lesson learned, Earned in the miles we’ve traversed and turned.

Life, a journey of endless scope, In every step, a chance to grow, to cope. A path unique, with stories untold, Bold in its unfolding, a sight to behold.

Did You Know? The longest walking route on Earth is the proposed Transglobal Highway, a network of roads and ferries that would connect most of the continents on Earth. This remarkable journey would span approximately 33,000 kilometers (20,500 miles), offering a unique way to experience diverse cultures and landscapes. More about this epic journey can be explored through the Transglobal Highway project .

2. River of Time

Life flows like a river, steady and true, Through new and old, through the past and new. Its current strong, with moments swift, Adrift in time’s unceasing shift.

In the waters of life, we find our way, Day by day, in the flow and sway. Through calm streams and turbulent tide, We ride, with time as our guide.

Each bend brings a new sight, unseen, A scene of what has been and what will be. In the river of time, we learn to navigate, Celebrate each twist of fate.

Life, a journey on time’s endless stream, A dream, where past and future gleam. In the flow of years, moments shine bright, Light in the river’s dynamic flight.

3. Mountain Ascent

Life’s journey, an ascent of a mountain high, Sky-reaching peaks, under the open sky. Each step, an effort, a climb toward the peak, Seeking the summit, the answers we seek.

The path is steep, rugged, and long, Strong is the heart that sings the mountain’s song. With each rise and fall, with each testing bend, We mend, growing stronger with each ascend.

The view from the top, a sight so grand, A land of dreams, where we understand. In life’s climb, challenges we face, Embrace each step with courage and grace.

The journey of life, a mountain’s tale, A trail of triumphs, where we prevail. In the climb, we find our spirit’s might, In the height of life’s challenging flight.

Did You Know? Mount Everest, the highest mountain on Earth, has been a symbol of life’s challenges and achievements. It stands at a staggering height of 8,848 meters (29,029 feet). The journey to its summit is not just a physical challenge, but also a mental and spiritual one, much like the journey of life. Discover more about Everest and its climbers at the Himalayan Database .

4. Desert Crossing

Across life’s desert, vast and wide, We stride, under the sun’s scorching guide. A land of extremes, of heat and cold, Bold are the stories in this landscape told.

Each grain of sand, a moment in time, Sublime in its simplicity, yet profound and prime. In the desert’s expanse, we find our strength, Length of resilience, measured at length.

The journey through life’s arid ground, Found in the silence, a profound sound. Mirages of hope, oases of dreams, Seems life is more than what it seems.

In the desert of life, we learn to endure, Pure in our quest, our intentions sure. A passage of self, of discovery and test, In the quest of life’s arid, challenging quest.

5. Sea Voyage

Life, a voyage across the vast sea, Free, where the waves dictate where we’ll be. A journey of depths, of storms and calm, A balm of experiences, a healing psalm.

The ocean’s expanse, wide and deep, A leap into the unknown, a giant sweep. In the tides and currents, we find our way, Day by day, in the play of spray.

Navigating life’s high seas, Sees us through joys and heartache’s freeze. In the ebb and flow of time’s tide, We ride, with hope as our guide.

Life’s journey, a sea adventure, wide and vast, A cast of moments, memories that last. In the voyage of life, on the ocean’s crest, We quest, in our search for life’s best.

Did You Know? The Mariana Trench is the deepest part of the world’s oceans, reaching a depth of about 10,984 meters (36,037 feet). Exploring this part of the ocean is as challenging as exploring outer space, symbolizing the depths and mysteries of life’s journey. The trench’s deepest point, known as Challenger Deep, can be explored further through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s website .

6. Forest Trail

Through the forest of life, a trail winds, Finds its way through the trees, the binds. A journey of shadows and dappled light, A sight of nature’s strength and might.

In the woodland’s embrace, paths diverge, Emerge new routes, as our lives surge. Twists and turns, in the forest deep, Keep us seeking, in life’s game of hide and seek.

Among the trees, we find our peace, Cease the noise, let the quiet increase. In the forest of life, lessons are learned, Earned in the tranquility for which we yearned.

Life, a journey through a forest’s maze, A gaze into nature’s mysterious ways. In the woods, we wander and explore, More of life’s secrets, in its core.

7. Urban Odyssey

In the city of life, an odyssey unfolds, Holds a tale of the new and the old. Skyscrapers of dreams, streets of fate, A state of constant change, at a rapid rate.

The urban jungle, alive and loud, Proud in its diversity, a cosmopolitan crowd. In the hustle and bustle, we find our beat, A feat of survival, in the city’s heat.

Life’s journey through the urban sprawl, A call to adapt, to stand tall. In the maze of streets, lessons to learn, Earn our place, at every turn.

The city of life, a journey of discovery, A story of humanity, in all its glory. In the urban odyssey, we find our way, Day by day, in the city’s lively play.

Did You Know? Tokyo, Japan, is one of the largest and most populous cities in the world, symbolizing the complexity and excitement of urban life. With a population of over 37 million in the greater metropolitan area, Tokyo is a prime example of urban expansion, blending ancient traditions with modern innovations. Explore Tokyo’s unique blend of the old and new at Tokyo’s Official Travel Guide .

8. Country Road

Down life’s country road, a journey so serene, Seen in the rolling hills, the landscape green. A path of simplicity, of quiet and calm, A balm of nature’s soothing palm.

The countryside, with its tranquil charm, A farm of life’s experiences, a place to disarm. In the rhythm of the rural pace, A space to breathe, to embrace grace.

Along the country road, life unwinds, Finds its rhythm in the fields and pines. A journey of peace, of slow and steady, Ready to enjoy the scenic beauty.

Life, a country road, a path less trodden, A cotton of quiet, where worries are forgotten. In the countryside, life’s journey is clear, Near to nature’s heart, close and dear.

9. Stairway to Dreams

Life’s journey, a stairway to our dreams, Seems to rise to infinite schemes. Each step, a climb towards our goal, A role in the play of the soul.

The staircase of life, steep and tall, Calls us to rise, to face it all. With each rise, a new level reached, Teached by the steps life has breached.

The ascent, a challenge of heart and mind, Find our strength, our unique kind. In the climb, dreams come into sight, A light at the top, shining bright.

Life, a stairway of hopes and fears, Years of climbing towards our frontiers. In the journey up life’s stairway, A play of dreams, day by day.

10. Galactic Trek

Life, a galactic trek through space and time, A climb through the cosmos, a journey sublime. In the vastness of the universe, we find our way, A play of stars and galaxies in display.

Through the Milky Way, our life’s path weaves, Believes in the journey of cosmic leaves. Astronauts of existence, in the space we roam, Home in the infinite, where stars foam.

The journey of life, a voyage so grand, A band of experiences, in the cosmic land. In the galaxy of existence, we explore, More of life’s mysteries, in its core.

Life’s trek through the stars, a celestial quest, A test of our spirit, in the cosmic zest. In the galactic journey of life, we sail, A tale of adventure, on an epic scale.

What Is the Journey of Life?

The journey of life is a remarkable odyssey filled with diverse experiences, profound emotions, and the pursuit of self-discovery and growth. It is an adventure that encompasses the myriad paths we tread, the love we encounter, and the reflections that shape our perspectives.

Every step taken, every challenge overcome, adds a unique hue to the canvas of our existence, creating a masterpiece like no other. As time unfolds, we navigate through the ebbs and flows, tasting the sweetness of triumph and feeling the sting of loss. Love , whether tender or tumultuous, adds splendor to this journey, infusing our hearts with a kaleidoscope of emotions, teaching us the depths of vulnerability and the heights of joy.

Self-discovery unfolds like the blooming of a flower, revealing layers of our being we never knew existed. It is a profound exploration, echoing whispers of growth and resilience as we confront our fears and embrace our strengths. Each twist and turn is an opportunity to learn, awaken, and evolve, painting our lives with hues of wisdom and understanding.

What Are the Different Paths We Take in Life?

Life presents a multitude of paths, each adorned with unique experiences, challenges, and opportunities for growth. These paths are akin to verses in a poem, weaving together our experiences and perspectives into a tapestry of existence.

Some paths lead through verdant meadows, where the soft petals of opportunity glisten with the morning dew, while others navigate the rugged terrain of adversity, sculpting resilience from every rock and thorn. Each footfall, a syllable in the grand composition of life’s journey, carries the rhythm of our stories.

From the bustling city streets to the tranquil whispers of nature’s embrace, the diverse landscapes we traverse mirror the intricacies of our own inner landscapes, shaping our perceptions and aspirations. As we thread through the ebbs and flows, our paths intertwine, forming the interconnected verses of human existence, each imbued with the poetic essence of our shared humanity.

What Is the Meaning of Life?

The meaning of life resides in the profound exploration of purpose , the relentless pursuit of self-discovery , and the ceaseless quest for inspiration and lessons that enrich our existence. It is a tapestry woven from the threads of love, growth, and the enigmatic dance of success and failure.

Life’s complexities unfold as we navigate through the ebb and flow of experiences, each moment a brushstroke painting the canvas of our journey. Through introspection, we unravel purpose’s elusive tendrils, seeking to grasp its essence amidst the tumultuous winds of uncertainty. In the pursuit of self-discovery, we embark on an odyssey, looking into the depths of our being, uncovering hidden facets that shape our understanding of existence. These revelations spur inspiration, nurturing the germination of possibilities and expansiveness in our perception of the world. From each adversity, we glean profound lessons, forging resilience and the temerity to embrace change. Life’s enigmatic harmony emanates from this intertwining tapestry of experiences, weaving a mosaic of growth and enlightenment.

How Do We Find Our Purpose in Life?

Discovering our purpose in life entails navigating through the labyrinth of challenges, embracing the winds of change, and seeking inspiration from the wisdom of Rumi. It is a journey of self-discovery and growth, a dance with the unknown to unravel the purpose that ignites our souls.

In the pursuit of purpose, we are called to explore the depths of our being, to venture into the uncharted territories of our hearts. Through the chaos and tranquility, we find that every challenge is a stepping stone, every setback a lesson, and every joy a reminder of our inner calling. Rumi’s words resonate, guiding us to look inward, to connect with our essence , and to embrace the journey, knowing that the answers lie within.

What Are the Challenges We Face in Life?

Life presents an array of challenges, each akin to a mountain waiting to be conquered or a river to be crossed . These obstacles are the crucibles in which our growth is forged, and the mirrors that reflect the kaleidoscope of our emotions and reflections.

As we navigate through these intricate labyrinths, we find ourselves confronting the depths of our fears and the heights of our aspirations. The journey molds us, chiseling away the rough edges of our character, imbuing us with resilience and wisdom.

How Do We Overcome Obstacles in Our Journey?

Overcoming the obstacles that punctuate our journey requires unwavering perseverance , akin to summiting the formidable peaks of Mount Everest. It is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the relentless pursuit of success amidst the labyrinth of challenges.

Embracing the mindset of a valiant mountaineer, one must cultivate grit to navigate the treacherous terrain, and a steadfast determination to conquer the insurmountable. Fear must be confronted, for it is often the shadow that looms large, obscuring the path ahead.

The summit of Mount Everest beckons each individual to redefine their limits – pushing beyond what was previously thought attainable, and embracing the fortitude necessary to withstand the howling winds of adversity.

What Are the Lessons We Learn Along the Way?

The journey of life bestows upon us a trove of invaluable lessons , each intricately woven into the fabric of our growth and transformation. These lessons serve as beacons of inspiration, illuminating our path through the labyrinth of challenges and triumphs.

Through the ebb and flow of life’s tapestry, we come to understand that lessons are not confined to classrooms or books but are an integral part of our daily experiences, shaping us in profound ways. The wisdom gained from overcoming adversities and celebrating victories etches a profound resilience within us, enableing us to endure and thrive.

As we reflect on the invaluable lessons imprinted on our souls, we recognize how they have sculpted our character, fostering empathy, wisdom, and gratitude.

How Do We Grow and Evolve on Our Journey?

The journey of life is a crucible for growth and evolution , akin to the transformative odyssey portrayed by Dante Alighieri. It is a symphony of self-discovery, a kaleidoscope of lessons, and a tapestry woven from the diverse perspectives that shape our existence.

In the labyrinth of our experiences, we encounter the challenges that shape our character and propel us toward growth. As we traverse through the circles of our personal inferno and face the shadows of our own making, we deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world.

Each trial and triumph serves as a crucible in which our resilience and resolve are forged, refining our spirit as we ascend towards enlightenment.

From the depths of our abyss , we emerge stronger, enlightened by the wisdom gained from our encounters with the divine and the mundane .

What Are the Milestones in Our Journey of Life?

The journey of life is adorned with an array of milestones , each marking the culmination of profound experiences, exponential growth, and introspective reflections. These milestones are the tapestries that adorn the grand narrative of our existence, signifying the evolution and transformation we undergo.

As we traverse the expansive terrain of existence, these milestones stand as the emblems of perseverance and accomplishment, testifying to our resilience and fortitude. They serve as beacons of progress, guiding us through the labyrinth of challenges and triumphs.

Each milestone etches a story into the fabric of time, capturing the moments of triumph, perseverance, and self-discovery.

What Are the Significant Moments That Shape Us?

Life’s journey is punctuated by significant moments, akin to the poignant verses of Morri Life , which etch themselves into the tapestry of our emotions and the saga of love. These moments become the crucibles that shape our essence, imbuing our journey with depth and meaning.

It is within these moments that we find ourselves facing the intricate dance of joy and sorrow, hope and despair, serenity and chaos. Just as Morri Life encapsulates the raw emotions of the human experience, so too do these impactful moments ripple through our souls, leaving an indelible mark. They are the crescendos and diminuendos in the symphony of our lives, resonating with the essence of love and growth.

How Do We Find Happiness and Fulfillment on Our Journey?

The pursuit of happiness and fulfillment on life’s journey is akin to a lyrical dance of love , self-discovery, and the perpetual quest for inspiration. It is an odyssey that resonates with the echoes of joy, the tapestries of love, and the kaleidoscope of self-discovery that imbue our existence with meaning.

Every step in this dance is adorned with the intricate patterns of emotions, each movement revealing the depths of our desires and dreams. The rhythm of love intertwines with the melody of self-discovery, creating a harmonious symphony that guides us through the labyrinth of experiences.

Through this captivating choreography, we unravel the layers of our soul, embracing our vulnerabilities, and finding strength in our inspiration to pursue the uncharted paths of our aspirations.

What Brings Us Joy and Contentment in Life?

The tapestries of joy and contentment in life are akin to the resonating verses of Margaret Fishback Powers, weaving together the essence of love, diverse perspectives , and the kaleidoscope of happiness . They form the lyrical symphony that enriches our journey with meaning and purpose.

Just as a tapestry is formed by weaving together myriad threads, joy and contentment in life stem from the intertwining of love, acceptance , and gratitude . Each thread represents a unique experience, a diverse perspective that adds depth and richness to the fabric of our existence.

The tapestries of joy are not uniform; rather, they are a patchwork of moments, emotions, and connections that create a beautiful mosaic. It is through embracing the variety of experiences and perspectives that we can truly appreciate the intricate beauty of our own unique tapestries of joy.

What Is the Legacy We Leave Behind on Our Journey?

The legacy we leave behind on life’s journey is an indelible imprint of our impact, a testament to our growth, and a reflection of our profound self-discovery. It is a tapestry woven from the threads of inspiration, the echoes of love, and the transformative essence of our existence.

Every action, every word spoken, every choice made contributes to this tapestry of legacy . Our impact ripples through the lives we touch, shaping the world in both subtle and grand ways. As we traverse through the labyrinth of life, our legacy becomes a roadmap for those who walk in our footsteps, guiding them to navigate their own journey with wisdom and empathy.

It is the echo of our voice, the warmth of our embrace, and the wisdom of our experiences that linger, becoming a source of inspiration for generations to come.

How Do We Make a Positive Impact on Others?

Making a positive impact on others during life’s journey is akin to crafting a symphony of inspiration and resilience, echoing the narratives of Vidya. It is a testament to our ability to transcend challenges, inspire others, and weave a tapestry of hope and compassion within the grand narrative of existence.

When we draw inspiration from the narratives of Vidya, we tap into the profound wellspring of compassion that underpins her remarkable story. Like Vidya, each step we take in the pursuit of spreading positivity and resilience contributes to the sublime harmony of human existence.

The ripples of our actions, no matter how small, resonate with the indomitable spirit that Vidya embodies, enriching the collective symphony of human experience. Through empathy and supportive gestures, we can uplift others amidst their struggles, manifesting inspiration and fortitude in everyday interactions.

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Blog – Posted on Monday, Jul 11

40 transformative poems about life everyone should know.

Let’s face it. Sometimes, life can get confusing and hard. In such times, it can be useful to turn to the wisdom of poetry. Poetry has a way of making us feel understood — it can make us feel empowered, hopeful, and remind us why life is worth living. So, in this post we’ve put together a list of the 40 greatest poems about life. From classics like Robert Frost and Rumi to the more contemporary Rupi Kaur, you’re guaranteed to find something that resonates with what you’re feeling.

1. "Risk", by Anaïs Nin

And then the day came,

when the risk

to remain tight

was more painful

than the risk

to blossom.

A single sentence broken up into 8 small lines, Anaïs Nin’s “Risk” uses a flower as a metaphor, to remind us that there will come a day when the pain of complacency will exceed the pain of actually daring to make a change. The poem serves as an understated call to action — make the change now, no matter how scary.

2. "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening", by Robert Frost

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

Reading out like a heartbeat, Frost's most famous work draws from nature to explore the human conflict of being torn between life’s beauty and its responsibilities. With the repetition of ‘and miles to go before I sleep’ closing out the poem, Frost perfectly captures the feeling of a moment we've all experienced — one where we're weary of life and its challenges. 

3. “Hope is the thing with feathers", by Emily Dickinson

I’ve heard it in the chillest land -

And on the strangest Sea -

Yet - never - in Extremity,

It asked a crumb - of me.

The evocative extended metaphor at the heart of this work has helped to cement "Hope is a thing with feathers" as perhaps the best-loved of Dickinson's 1,800 poems. In the last stanza, Dickinson beautifully captures the ever-giving, selfless nature of hope⁠— the bird of hope sings in the harshest, most adverse times in our lives, never asking for anything in return. 

4. "The Peace of Wild Things", by Wendell Berry

I come into the peace of wild things

who do not tax their lives with forethought

of grief. I come into the presence of still water.

And I feel above me the day-blind stars

waiting with their light. For a time

I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

Written in free verse , "The Peace of Wild Things” intentionally slips the shackles of a standard meter and rhyme scheme. The loose structure of the poem mirrors the uncontrolled, free-flowing beauty of nature when left to its own devices. Berry admires the power of nature’s simplicity, reminding us that we can always turn to ‘the grace of the '"world’ to soothe an ever-worrying, overthinking human mind.

5. "The Summer Day", by Mary Oliver

Tell me, what else should I have done?

Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?

Tell me, what is it you plan to do

with your one wild and precious life?

Reflecting on the futility of life, Oliver’s “The Summer Day” shakes the reader by the shoulder, offering a jolt of inspiration. As everything dies ‘at last’ and ‘too soon’, the poem encourages us to live our one life intentionally.  By asking the reader what you plan to do with ‘your one wild and precious life’, the poem serves as a reminder that it’s ultimately our job to fill our own lives with meaning (whatever that might mean for each one of us!). So, what do you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?

6. "The Guest House", by Rumi

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,

meet them at the door laughing,

and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

Written by the great 13th-century Persian poet, "The Guest House" is a call for acceptance — one that is, unsurprisingly,  often invoked in mindfulness circles. Rumi uses the metaphor of a guest house, likening it to the mind. Much like guests in a lodge, thoughts arrive in our head one after another— some making us happy, sad, and even uncomfortable. This poem serves as a reminder to not resist life’s painful thoughts, but to welcome them with warmth and good grace. 

7. "from Milk and Honey", by Rupi Kaur

what is stronger

than the human heart

which shatters over and over

and still lives

Inward-looking in style, Rupi Kaur’s collection of poems, from Milk and Honey, centers around the theme of self-love (which is also a form of introspection). Kaur’s poems ironically remind us that the emotional attention and love that we crave and desire is not something that can be sought in the outside world. Her clarion call to prioritize one’s self and start living intentionally is one that resonates deeply with today’s increasingly alienated generation. 

8. "Sonnet 29", by William Shakespeare

Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,

Haply I think on thee, and then my state,

Like to the lark at break of day arising

From sullen earth sings hymns at heaven’s gate;

For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings

That then I scorn to change my state with kings

"Sonnet 29" is a single sentence, divided into two: a conditional clause and a main clause. Shakepeare first lists a series of misfortunes that he undergoes before revealing that his suffering is compensated for when he thinks of the person he loves. The poem thus reminds us that even in the toughest of times, those who we love have the power to completely change our outlook.

9. "I took my power in my hand", by Emily Dickinson

I aimed by Pebble—but Myself

Was all the one that fell—

Was it Goliath—was too large—

Or was myself—too small

Whilst not particularly uplifting, Dickinson’s “I took my power in my hand” brings out a harsh reality many of us struggle with — accepting failure. The poem is populated with unorthodox punctuation (particularly a liberal use of dashes) and mid-sentence capitalization to emphasize the confusion and bewilderment in the poet’s thoughts as she comes to terms with failure. 

10. "O Me! O life!", by Walt Whitman

O Me! O life! of the questions of these recurring,

Of the endless trains of the faithless, of cities fill’d with the foolish,

Of myself forever reproaching myself, (for who more foolish than I, and who more faithless?)

Of eyes that vainly crave the light, of the objects mean, of the struggle ever renew’d,

Of the poor results of all, of the plodding and sordid crowds I see around me,

Of the empty and useless years of the rest, with the rest me intertwined,

The question, O me! so sad, recurring—What good amid these, O me, O life?

One of Whitman’s shortest and most celebrated poems,“O Me! O Life!” highlights the daily struggle that is life. After his early lamentations, the poet concludes that the meaning of life lies in life itself — that we are present, alive, and can contribute our own verse to life. In Whitman’s case this is literally a verse, but metaphorically this refers to whatever you bring to the table.

11. "Life Doesn’t Frighten Me", by Maya Angelou

Shadows on the wall

Noises down the hall

Life doesn't frighten me at all

Bad dogs barking loud

Big ghosts in a cloud

If you’re looking for a little courage, “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me” is the poem to turn to. Angelou takes us into the mind of a child who lists an elaborate array of things that seemingly don’t frighten her — ‘shadows’, ‘big ghosts’ or even ‘tough guys’. The refrain ‘frighten me at all’, is repeated ten times throughout the poem. This repetition causes one to question the speaker’s honesty — is the child really not frightened? Or is this repetition simply a way to make her feel braver? Whether the child is truly unafraid or not, this poem perfectly encapsulates the concept of facing your fears with a smile.

12. "A Psalm of Life", by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,

Is our destined end or way; 

But to act, that each to-morrow

Find us farther than to-day.

On reading “A Psalm of Life” , you might just feel an instant urge to live your best life. The poem rejects the idea that life can be broken down into meaningless, emotionless metrics. It advocates that life is neither made to suffer through, nor is it made to solely enjoy. While both these emotions are a part of the journey, the purpose of life is ‘to act’, improve oneself, and make each day better than the previous one.

13. "Do not go gentle into that good night", by Dylan Thomas

And you, my father, there on the sad height,

Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

One of the most famous villanelles (a 19-line poem with a fixed form and rhyme scheme) written in English, Dylan Thomas’ “Do not go gentle into that good night” is a poem not about life, but about death. While the poet acknowledges the inevitability of death, he uses this to highlight that life is precious and worth fighting for. Written as a dedication to his late father, the poem feels deeply personal and vulnerable —not just as a poet’s advice to the world, but as a son’s advice to his father.

 14. "Desiderata", by Max Ehrmann 

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,

even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

The didactic tone of “Desiderata” stems from the fact that it is a poem Max Ehrmann wrote to his daughter as a manifesto to living a happy life. In Latin, desiderata means ‘things that are desired’. The poet lays out the ground rules he believes one must live by to have an authentic, virtuous life. The protective nature of Ehrmann’s advice to his daughter has resonated with millions, resulting in the poem being regarded as a manual to a life well-lived.

15. "Leisure", by W. H. Davies

What is this life if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs

And stare as long as sheep or cows.

In a world increasingly ‘busy’ chasing material goals, “Leisure” reminds us to make time for the mind and soul. The poem begins with an irony-filled rhetorical question, where W.H Davies takes a jab at modernity and explains how it has robbed us of the simple things in life (such as to ‘stand’ in and ‘stare’ at nature). Davies’ belief in nature’s powers is evident, and he insists that we take some time to admire it and replenish our soul. So, if you’ve been overdoing it at work, “Leisure” is just the reminder you need to take a step back and stare!

16. "Opportunity," by Berton Braley

With doubt and dismay you are smitten

You think there's no chance for you, son?

Why, the best books haven't been written

The best race hasn't been run,

The best score hasn't been made yet,

The best song hasn't been sung,

The best tune hasn't been played yet,

Cheer up, for the world is young!

When feeling doubtful, ‘cheer up’, and let Braley’s words motivate you into action! The narrator addresses the poem to his ‘son’, adding a caring, reassuring tone to his speech. The poem celebrates the abundance of life, mentioning the vast sea of opportunities that we can capitalize on — to write the best books, sing the best songs, etc. It reiterates that opportunities are plentiful (and there’s enough for everyone).  

17. "The Builders", by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 

All are architects of Fate,

Working in these walls of Time;

Some with massive deeds and great,

Some with ornaments of rhyme.

Considering Longfellow’s long career as an educator, the optimistic nature of “The Builders” comes as no surprise. By calling everyone ‘an architect of Fate’, working in the ‘walls of Time’, he conveys that all humans have a meaningful impact on the world. Be it with ‘massive deeds’ or ‘ornaments of rhyme’, each and every person has a role to play. 

18. "Life", by Charlotte Brontë

Sometimes there are clouds of gloom,

But these are transient all;

If the shower will make the roses bloom,

O why lament its fall?

A simple message resides at the core of Brontë’s “Life” — to live with a fearless outlook. Brontë wishes to dismiss the glorified idea that life is dark or unpleasant. She highlights the transient nature of the gloomy aspects of life, reminding us that they eventually clear and are replaced by something pleasant (like blooming roses after rain). So why dread the rain? 

19. "Full Life", by D. H. Lawrence

A man can’t fully live unless he dies and ceases to care,

ceases to care.

An extremely short poem, D.H Lawrence’s “Full Life” can be entirely quoted in two sentences. While Lawrence may be advocating a nonchalant, unbothered approach to life (as clearly reflected in the poem’s length), the paradoxical nature of the poem’s very existence often leaves readers wondering what the poet really means.

20. "What Is This Life", by Sir Walter Raleigh

What is our life? The play of passion

Our mirth? The music of division:

Our mothers’ wombs the tiring-houses be,

Where we are dressed for life’s short comedy.

A somber contemplation on life’s brevity, “What is This Life” likens life to a play —  specifically, a ‘short comedy’. The rhyme scheme of the poem (aa bb cc dd ee) is short and simple, reflecting the monotony and shortness of life. Further, the predictable nature of the repeating couplets highlights that life always comes to the same end — death. The poem serves as a matter-of-fact reminder that life is meaningless, short, and therefore not to be taken too seriously.

21. "Each Life Converges to some Centre", by Emily Dickinson 

Each Life Converges to some Centre –

Expressed – or still –

Exists in every Human Nature

Aligned with Emily Dickinson’s quest for universal truth, this poem considers the purpose of human existence. It says that all of humanity, whether consciously or unconsciously, strives towards an end goal. Dickinson then alternates between saying that this goal is achievable and that it isn’t, mirroring the uncertain manner in which we aim to reach a goal of which we have no proof. This complex, philosophical poem will definitely leave you questioning life!

22. "Stream of life", by Rabindranath Tagore

The same stream of life that runs

through my veins night and day runs

through the world and dances in rhythmic measures.

It is the same life that shoots in joy

through the dust of the earth in numberless blades of grass and

breaks into tumultuous waves of leaves and flowers.

A celebration of the universe’s connectedness, “Stream of life” reflects Tagore’s world view that humans create their own segregation. The rhythm and flow of the poem, along with lively descriptions of the stream of life like ‘dancing in rhythmic measures’, or ‘shooting with joy’ will uplift your mood instantly. The poem leaves us with an innate sense of belonging to the world we live in. Seen from Tagore’s lens, isn’t this an incredible world to be part of? 

23. "Still I Rise", by Maya Angelou

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Angelous’s “Still I rise” boldly celebrates the power of the human spirit, and highlights the importance of not being defeated by the obstacles life throws at you. Angelou specifically refers to the discrimination faced by African-Americans. The lesson? Life might pin you down, write you off, or have you up against the wall. Still you rise!

24. "Life Is a Privilege", by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Life is a privilege.  Its youthful days

Shine with the radiance of continuous Mays.

To live, to breathe, to wonder and desire,

To feed with dreams the heart's perpetual fire;

The nostalgic tone of “Life is a Privilege'' makes one feel blessed to have the opportunity to live. Wilcox artfully describes all of life’s blessings (from the sun’s rays to the chance to chase our dreams). Serving as a bitter-sweet reminder of how short life is, the poem encourages the reader to leave no room for regret, and live out their heart's desires.

25. "Lines on a Skull", by Ravi Shankar

life’s little, our heads

sad. Redeemed and wasting clay

this chance. Be of use.

“Lines On a Skull” is a wake up call to be intentional with life.  The poet compares life to clay, stating that every day we have a chance to either waste it, or create something meaningful.  The poet urges us to use our heads and make our lives useful. Rather sound advice, isn’t it?

26. “The Room of My Life”, by Anne Sexton

in the room of my life

the objects keep changing.

Ashtrays to cry into,

the suffering brother of the wood walls,

the forty-eight keys of the typewriter

each an eyeball that is never shut,

Sexton’s “The Room of my Life” describes household objects in unconventional ways. The poet strikingly describes ashtrays, typewriters, etc for purposes that are out of their ordinary use — an ashtray being used to catch tears, etc. These objects highlight Sexton's pain and despair, showing life from a different perspective.

27.  "A Question", by Robert Frost

A voice said, Look me in the stars

And tell me truly, men of earth,

If all the soul-and-body scars

Were not too much to pay for birth.

Frost’s “A Question”, consisting of merely 4 powerful lines, will hit you like an emotional shot. The poet questions whether the gift of life is worth the pain and suffering humans go through. True to the nature of the title, Frost ends the poem with the question itself—perhaps reflecting his inability to arrive at an answer (or the lack of a definite answer at all). 

28. "Life", by Sarojini Naidu

Till ye have battled with great grief and fears,

And borne the conflict of dream-shattering years,

Wounded with fierce desire and worn with strife,

Children, ye have not lived: for this is life.

Addressed directly to children, this poem serves as a warning about life’s inevitable hardships. The poem states that children haven’t yet experienced the harsh realities of life (e.g., battled with great grief and fears, etc).  While acknowledging the sufferings of life, this sonnet isn’t meant to demoralize, but instead to prepare children to face life.

29. "Each Moment Is Precious", by Pat A. Fleming

And the person you’re with,

In that moment you share,

Give them all of your focus;

Be totally there.

Written from the second person perspective, “Each Moment Is Precious” directly addresses the reader as ‘you’. This laces the poem with a sense of intimacy, making it feel like heartfelt advice by someone elderly and wise. Fleming beautifully reminds us to live in the present and savor every moment, as there are only a precious few.

30. "My Inner Life", by Robert William Service

For I've a hidden life no one

        Can ever hope to see;

A sacred sanctuary none

        May share with me.

“My Inner Life” celebrates the relationship we have with ourselves. The poem presents a narrator who seems to be misunderstood and alone. However, he then reveals that his ‘hidden life’  is precious, something he wouldn’t trade for the world. This poem reassuringly encourages us to be true to ourselves, regardless of what others may think. 

31. "Life is Fine", by Langston Hughes

So since I’m still here livin’,

I guess I will live on.

I could’ve died for love—

But for livin’ I was born

The spirited “Life is Fine” highlights the theme of perseverance. Structurally similar to a blues song, it tells the story of a man who often considers suicide but never goes through with it. Towards the end of the poem, after several close encounters with death, the man realizes that he has something to live for. The honest, vulnerable tone of the poem resonates with many, encouraging us to keep going — even when we feel like giving up.

32. "Futility", by Wilfred Owen

Was it for this the clay grew tall?

—O what made fatuous sunbeams toil

To break earth's sleep at all?

Owen’s “Futility” questions how something as beautiful as life always loses to death. A combination of slant and perfect rhymes, the poem’s rhyme scheme reflects the uncertainty of soldiers' lives during the Great war. While the speaker does possess an admiration for life, he gradually begins to question its futile nature. This duality leaves the reader in two moods, savoring life but also questioning its meaning at the same time.

33. "Suppose", by  E.E. Cummings 

Life is an old man carrying flowers on his head.

young death sits in a café

smiling,a piece of money held between

his thumb and first finger

In “Suppose”, life and death are personified. The old man carrying flowers on his head might refer to a fear-led life. The man wants someone to buy his flowers, but is also scared for the moment when someone will take them away. Money in hand, Death would like to buy the flowers. Cumming brings out the fact that death will inevitably take everything from life, but his striking use of this metaphor evokes in us an urge to not waste ours in the first place.

34. "Ode To A Nightingale", by John Keats

Fade far away, dissolve, and quite forget

        What thou among the leaves hast never known,

The weariness, the fever, and the fret

        Here, where men sit and hear each other groan

In an “Ode To a Nightingale”, Keats suggests that human consciousness itself is suffering. The singing nightingale has ‘never known’  these troubles, and represents freedom from the anxious, lonely human mind. The speaker later admits that while death would end his suffering, he would then be unable to enjoy the beauty of the nightingale’s song. So, the poem argues both for and against human consciousness, with no final stance on the matter.

35. "If", by Rudyard Kipling

If you can keep your head when all about you   

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,   

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too; 

Despite being 32 lines long, “If” is a single continuous sentence! The poem comprises many clauses beginning with ‘if you can’, each clause laying out a condition that the speaker believes the reader should fulfill to live a successful life. Widely considered as Kipling’s advice to his own son,  “If” is a guide to living an ideal and worthwhile life.

36. "Dockery and Son", by Philip Larkin

Unhindered moon. To have no son, no wife,

No house or land still seemed quite natural.

Only a numbness registered the shock

Of finding out how much had gone of life,

Larkin’s “Dockery and Son” considers the fleeting nature of time. Candid and emotional, the poem captures the shock that the narrator faces after learning that one of his university juniors has a child (who now goes to the same university they used to attend). By repeating the ‘no’ in the 4th stanza, Larkin emphasizes the emptiness and regret he feels when he realizes ‘how much had gone of life’. This poem brings out a classic lesson — time shall pass, and waits for no one.

37. "My Mind to Me a Kingdom Is", by Sir Edward Dyer 

My mind to me a kingdom is;

Such present joys therein I find,

That it excels all other bliss

  That earth affords or grows by kind:

“My Mind to Me a Kingdom Is”, dating back to the Renaissance, declares that one’s mind is the most powerful source of one’s happiness. The poet metaphorically compares his mind to a kingdom, one where he reigns with a blissful state of control. Rather than constantly seeking pleasure elsewhere like several others, he reveals a refreshing sense of being content in possession of his most powerful tool, a peaceful mind.

38. "A Quoi Bon Dire", by Charlotte Mew

And one fine morning in a sunny lane

Some boy and girl will meet and kiss and swear

That nobody can love their way again

While over there

You will have smiled, I shall have tossed your hair.

In the first two stanzas of “A Quoi Bon Dire”, poet Charlotte Mew introduces a curious protagonist — one who does not despair at the loss of a soulmate; who doesn’t fret at the passing of the years. For indeed, the question of a quoi bon dire (or, ‘what’s the point?’) is answered in the closing lines that you see above — a sentiment that the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas would echo many decades later: “Though lovers be lost love shall not; And death shall have no dominion.”

39. "My Heart Leaps Up", by William Wordsworth 

My heart leaps up when I behold 

A rainbow in the sky:

So was it when my life began;

So is it now I am a man; 

So be it when I shall grow old,

   Or let me die!

Wordsworth’s "My Heart Leaps Up" emphasizes the importance of retaining a child-like sense of enthusiasm throughout life. The poem begins by the speaker stating the joy he feels on seeing a rainbow, the very same delight he first felt when he saw it as a child. The poem argues that adults should not let this child-like sense of awe and appreciation for nature die out, as it is what makes life worth living. 

40. "Life Is",  by Mother Teresa

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.

Life is beauty, admire it.

Life is a dream, realize it.

Life is a challenge, meet it.

Mother Teresa’s “Life Is” leaves us with wise words to live by. Filled with words of encouragement, the poem is the Nobel Peace laureate’s view on all that life is, and how it should be lived. The poem’s positive, inspiring tone promises to leave you in high spirits.

Well, we hope that these poems made you smile, reflect, and view life from a different lens! If you simply can’t get enough and would like to continue exploring the world of poetry, do check out our post on must-read love poems.

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9 Poems About The Journeys Through Life

Please enjoy this little collection of poems about the journeys we live through life . Some journeys find us, but we have to make life happen, or we will end up lost with no help. These poems will help heal your mind and move you forward with family, friends and loved ones. Listen to the chitter-chatter inside your mind; this defines who you are; especially, among the billions of people that will one day be part of your odyssey.

Life Has Been Here

Life has been here for a long time. I sip my glass of cider and peer into it with my mind. The bubbles explode as they hit the surface, reminding me that life – is watching with the sounds of fizzing purpose.

The night sky gives away all her secrets; to watching eyes with thoughts of deepness. Life has been here for a long time; it’s fragile, but robust like the two sides of a dime. The noisy hedgehog eats the cat food as I smile and watch the wife drink white wine.

There is no need for talking, we did all our fast walking, in the morning when the haze made us walk in a line. If you listen carefully, you can hear the twinkle of the Moon. He shines across the flower beds – exposing beetles that sing a tune.

Life has been here for a long time. I can taste the sour-sweet apples with a hint of lemon and lime. The candle flickers in the cold, offering no warmth, but it feels cosy to look at while the blanket covers our sides.

The neighbour’s chatter, the fox barks in the snow, people drive their fast cars – outside in the road. The alcohol is making us feel numb, drowning out any inhibitions – inherited by old folk. I like this feeling; I have nowhere to go, I close my eyes and relax – so time can slow.

I snap open another bottle and fill the glass up – just below the white line. The silence is wonderful; the night grows thicker in darkness, breathing becomes sharper in this moment of wondrous glow. She smiles at me, and I smile back because we both know that this time is ours.

Life has been here for a long time. I know because I’m here, thinking about the beginning and the ending through my mind. One day my taste buds will stop, my eyes will wobble as the last salted tear starts to drop. My breath will shallow, and then it will stop, life will cease as all the memories get lost. All of life’s moments will combine into one, but a vision will be held – defining all that I’ve done.

Maybe, it will be all the evenings in the garden, the day I got married or children playing and dancing? All I know – is this thought will be happy! Because one day, life will show me it was zappy and snappy.

I sit up and awake from my dream. It’s getting late as I quietly lock the garden gate. We shut the backdoor and turn the key, switching all the lights off as we tiptoe and weave. The children are still sleeping; the duvet covers look pleasing; it’s time to cuddle up from the night air that’s still freezing.

I look forward to another day, where life becomes a time in a different way. Life has been here for a long time; let’s enjoy it while we still can.

I was born naked into this world. Did I ask to be here? A question I can’t converse. Loved and kissed; washed and fed; cuddled and taught that was all to be read.

The layers of society seem complex, with the people trying their very best. Money and bills; tax and the NHS; a pension pot to retire on before they say “dead!”

I read the books in the library; my health and stature define me; I looked for God and never found him. Religion and spirituality; meditation and morality; wealth leads to inequality, while capitalism undermines me.

My children are born naked into this world. I asked them to be here. A question I can now converse. Loved and kissed; washed and fed; cuddled and taught that is all to be read.

My eyes are open to the complexity of society, and people are still trying to do their best. Credit cards and renting homes; student loans and endless debt; I will still own nothing before my death .

I’m playing the game of society but it offers me no peace or success. Stocks and shares; bonds and interest; lines on a graph that means More or Less.

Wealth is not in money. Health can’t be purchased with plastic banknotes or honey. Laughs and smiles; memories and stories; be rich in life without all the commodities.

Everything I own is borrowed, I’m naked underneath this breath because that’s how it really is – for life to start and be fresh. Feelings and emotions; love and devotion; care for each other and leave naked! After – life – is – spent.

Empty beaches meet lands of fields with castles built from grey lifeless stones. Busy roads seek villages and towns; be warned if they lead to the city underground. Footpaths show you the way home with wild grass asking to be pulled in your hand. All rivers lead to the Sea; if you had a boat, you could travel and see.

A Stag stands in the middle of a ploughed field, he watches and runs quickly to the hills. Pheasants hide in the bushes, but only come out when there’s no sound. The black cat sits on the fence, but she’s too fat to catch a mouse. Green and brown grass snakes – can never be found.

An alleyway leads to a disturbing room. The shop floor is filled with food for the poor. Copper wire provides electricity to every home, but some people can’t afford to turn the switch on. Someone just died from the cold.

There’s a road that leads to the end of the world. There’s a book that tells all the dreams to be told. A lonely man reaches the top of a mountain but is greeted by a goat. Walk with your friends before that meteorite explodes.

The dark leads to light and light to dark. I’ve seen a Star reach through the curvature of a blackholes arc. Your blue eyes are powerful; your brown eyes are beautiful. Ginger eyes are only given to the wonderful. I’ve never seen green eyes look so peaceful.

All rivers lead to the Sea. Busy roads seek villages and towns. Empty beaches meet lands of fields. Footpaths show you the way home.

I’m your friend. The person who listens to you – talks back – puts you on the mend.

We grew up together within those houses that boxed us in like a pigpen. How could we never forget? All those times, we threw a fist in the den. We shared the bus seat. We talked about the girls and waited for them – again and again. We made a packed to be each others best men. You watched my back, and I watched you back, especially when you stood up for me again. We shared all our secrets and learned from our mistakes. The pubs awaited our company as we stood and drank, then stood and danced.

I remember your first girlfriend. I remember because it was lonely at the weekend. But we met up again and shared stories about all that was, and what will become of us.

We met up from time to time, but those times stretched into weeks, months and then years – into dust.

We smile like each other. We talk the same. Our wives hang their head in shame because when we do finally meet up again – we act like kids from that place we came.

We watch our own kids grow up. Our sons and daughters seem a little less rough. Their childhood won’t be the same as us.

We made it through those terrible jobs. We rose into men from the kids on that concrete estate. We lost other friends and made new ones.

We hug each other because we are the same. I’m your friend, your best mate.

Les & Dave.

I’ve got a younger brother he’s just the same as me. We grew up together and had a one year gap between our age. He’s blond, bigger built and has all the brains. I’m dark, stringy looking and live into a gaze.

We loved each other in the younger days. We grew to hate each other through those teenage ways. One day, things changed, and we found each other on a moment of pain.

He started to talk, and we shared each others journey from this maze. I taught him all the things he couldn’t see, and he showed me things academically. Our conversations led to employment, so we built things and turned them into enjoyment!

Our bond will last until the grave. We call each other on different days. Sometimes, we still meet up and discuss how life is extraordinary.

Our memories are packed with all our foundations; we never needed any invitations. Because in the end, we knew each other from the beginning and life would have never been the same.

Stephen & Dave.

Can’t

I’m not a writer. I’m no poet. I can’t speak a story or tell a joke – If I don’t know it.

I can’t write code. I can’t design. I could never build a garden with these hands that are mine.

I can not. I can. I’m broken but fixable in my mind.

Thoughts Through Words

The wallet sits empty – (full of receipts). Ibuprofen sits in my hand – (pink sweet). The coffee awaits my dry lips – (evaporation). The mouse moves with my right arm – (I’m left-handed). White keys make up their own words – (sequence). I question my existence – (alive). Lower back pain hurts me – (misery). No acknowledgements – (credentials). Three rainbows in a row – (means nothing). (These are my thoughts) – these are my words. It means what you want it to mean – (perspective).

Happy feelings create memorable thoughts. Smiling with wonder and listening to jokes. Laugh until your head hurts. Happiness! Is you and me in powwow!

We smile when we meet old friends. We tell lost stories to make amends. We whisper into our coffee cups and raise an eyebrow to the sounds of deluded comments.

Happiness is found in the quiet corner, under a stone or in a moment of wonder. Laugh until the tears hit your cheeks. Giggle like the colour of red blossoming tweed. Tell me that story again, when we laughed so hard – we wet ourselves.

We smile when we meet new friends. We tell old stories to make amends. We drink into our wine vase and watch the men drink from their pint glass.

I’ve seen things that make you laugh out loud. Do you remember that time when the cat danced with the mouse? A squirrel fell out of a tree – died! Then awoke with a scream. That old man farted in the queue, and a woman in front shouted – phew! I purchased a pair of woolly pants and only wore them once. My teacher sat on a drawing pin and pretended nothing happened.

We smile when we meet our friends. We tell all our stories to make amends. We drink, we eat, we share our treats; to remember the days diverting.

I’ve fallen out of bed laughing. I stubbed my toe while cursing. We laugh at our family conversing. Can you feel the joy in your heart submersing?

Smile – Laugh – Happiness – It’s just a thought away.

Words can be heard in every unspoken song. Key’s vibrating through the piano feel undisturbed. Toxic pink with luminous green – crash into a twirl. A supernova from a dead star makes no sound. Two thousand words have no bond, tell no story and look absurd. Six guitar strings vibrate through the air and whisper universal secrets to a listening butterfly. Antibacterial hand gel makes the germs drunk and numb. The flickering light bulb speaks to you in Morse Code. A man at the bus stop has no home. A young girl cries in the shopping centre looking for her Mum. The night sky still has a Sun. Damp on the wall penetrates your lungs. The ceiling in your house has a roof. Energy in your body escapes as a soul. Death is life and life is death, but you know. Which came first? Life or the seed? I will leave you now to rest in peace.

You can buy the poetry book – Cured – here

D.J. Irvine

I hope you enjoy all my edits on poetry, philosophy and wisdom. Please feel free to leave a comment or ask a question.

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10 Best Short Poems about Journeys in Life

Embark on a poetic odyssey with “10 Best Short Poems about Journeys In Life.” Each poem in this collection navigates the myriad paths life offers, exploring the essence of our personal quests. Simple yet profound, these poems invite you to reflect on your own journey through life’s ever-changing landscape.

Table of Contents

Poems about Journeys in Life

1. the road unfolding.

This poem speaks about the unpredictability of life’s journey and the courage it takes to embrace the unknown.

The road ahead, uncharted, wild, With twists and turns, meek and mild, Each step a new story untold, In life’s bold fold.   Uncertain paths, under open skies, New horizons, new ties, Life’s journey, a mystery, In its own history.   Braving storms, seeking light, In the endless flight, Every path, a lesson learned, On this road, we’ve turned.

2. Footprints of Time

This poem is a reflection on how life’s journey is marked by the footprints we leave behind, shaping our legacy.

In the sands of time, footprints lay, Marking our journey, day by day, Each imprint, a tale, a memory, Of life’s treasury.   Through valleys deep and mountains high, Underneath the open sky, Our steps, a dance of fate and chance, In life’s expanse.   Left behind, these marks of life, Through joy, through strife, Telling stories of our time, In life’s prime.

3. The Journey Within

Exploring the concept of introspection, this poem emphasizes the importance of the internal journey we all undertake in understanding ourselves.

In the quiet of our hearts, we roam, Exploring where our thoughts have flown, A journey deep into the soul, Playing life’s role.   Through corridors of hopes and fears, Echoes of laughter, whispers of tears, The inner path, twisted, profound, In ourselves, we’re found.   This voyage within, a silent quest, In our own depths, we invest, Discovering who we truly are, Near and far.

4. Bridges and Crossroads

Life’s journey is full of decisions and changes, represented here by bridges and crossroads, symbolizing pivotal moments in life.

At every turn, a choice awaits, Bridges to cross, open gates, Life’s crossroads, with paths anew, In every hue.   Decisions made under the sun, Each choice, a battle won, Bridges burned, or paths retraced, In life’s vast space.   Each crossroad, a story’s birth, Each bridge, a measure of worth, On life’s journey, every road, A different ode.

5. The Unseen Trails

This poem speaks to the unseen and unexpected paths in life, emphasizing the beauty and growth found in life’s less traveled roads.

Beyond the known, the unseen trails, Where mystery and adventure prevails, Paths hidden from the common eye, Underneath the sky.   On these routes, less trod, less seen, Lies the beauty, serene, Uncharted courses, leading where, In life’s affair.   In these journeys, unseen, unknown, Is where our spirits have grown, On the trails less traveled by, Under life’s sky.

6. Sailing Through Life

Life is compared to a sea voyage in this poem, highlighting the ups and downs and the resilience needed to navigate through it.

Life, a vast and endless sea, Waves of fate, wild and free, Sailing through storms, calm alike, On life’s hike.   With every tide, a new lesson, In every wave, a confession, Our boat, a vessel of hope, Helping us cope.   In this ocean of time and space, We find our own place, Navigating through life’s vast expanse, In its dance.

7. The Mountain’s Call

This poem personifies life’s challenges as mountains, illustrating the strength and perseverance required to overcome them.

Mountains high, daunting, steep, Challenges that make us leap, Climbing up, reaching the peak, The summit we seek.   With each step, courage grows, Above fears, above woes, The mountain’s call, loud and clear, In our ear.   At the summit, a view so grand, Over life’s vast land, In these climbs, we find our might, In life’s flight.

8. The Path of Stars

Inspired by the night sky, this poem is about finding guidance and inspiration in life’s journey, much like sailors navigating by the stars.

In the night sky, stars alight, Guiding us through the darkest night, Their twinkle, a map, a chart, In life’s art.   Following these celestial trails, Through life’s winds, life’s gales, Each star, a beacon of hope, Helping us cope.   In the starry path above, We find direction, love, Our journey, guided by night’s stars, Near and far.

9. The River’s Course

Life is likened to a river in this poem, flowing ceaselessly and shaping the landscape of our experiences.

Like a river, life flows on, From dawn to dusk, dusk to dawn, Carving paths through land and time, In its prime.   Through rapids, calm, and bends, Life’s river twists and wends, Shaping shores of destiny, In its spree.   In this flowing journey, we ride, With the river as our guide, Onward it flows, without pause, In life’s cause.

10. The Road Home

Concluding with a theme of return, this poem reflects on the journey back to our roots, emphasizing the importance of understanding and appreciating where we come from.

Down the roads, long and winding, Back to where our hearts are finding, The journey home, a path so sweet, In its retreat.   Through memories, through time’s gate, Back to where our loved ones wait, The road home, a journey’s end, Around each bend.   In this return, a story told, Of life’s journey, bold, Back to the start, where we roam, On the road home.

Read More Poems:

Short Poems about Journaling

Short Poems about Jokes

Poems about the End of a Journey

Poems about Roads, Journeys, & Destination

Short Poems About Travel Journey

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About the author.

Maya Anthony

Maya is an evocative poetess whose writings emanate the very essence of romance, inspiration, and the raw beauty of nature. Each verse she pens is a testament to her profound connection with the world around her, intertwining human emotions with the delicate nuances of the natural realm. With a heart that beats in poetic rhythms, Maya captures the ephemeral moments of love, hope, and wonder, weaving them into timeless tales that resonate deeply with her readers. Her words are not just read, but felt, echoing the timeless dance between nature and emotions.

10 Of The Best Poems About Life Ever To Have Been Written

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Great poetry manages to express the very essence of its subject – and when it comes to life, that’s quite the challenge.

To capture something that is so varied, but that binds us together as brothers and sisters in arms takes real skill and craft.

Luckily for us, the best poets through the ages have penned many a classic and beautiful verse to help us understand – nay decipher – life in all its glory.

Here are 10 of the most deep and meaningful poems about life. Some long, some short, some famous, some less so.

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10 Beautiful Poems About Life

1. a psalm of life by henry wadsworth longfellow.

This rhyming poem is the spark that can reignite the fires within you. It challenges you to go out and live your life in the present moment as a “ hero ” and leave your mark on this world.

Act! Take Action! Be Active!

Tell me not, in mournful numbers, Life is but an empty dream! For the soul is dead that slumbers, And things are not what they seem. Life is real! Life is earnest! And the grave is not its goal; Dust thou art, to dust returnest, Was not spoken of the soul. Not enjoyment, and not sorrow, Is our destined end or way; But to act, that each to-morrow Find us farther than to-day. Art is long, and Time is fleeting, And our hearts, though stout and brave, Still, like muffled drums, are beating Funeral marches to the grave. In the world’s broad field of battle, In the bivouac of Life, Be not like dumb, driven cattle! Be a hero in the strife! Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant! Let the dead Past bury its dead! Act,—act in the living Present! Heart within, and God o’erhead! Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time; Footprints, that perhaps another, Sailing o’er life’s solemn main, A forlorn and shipwrecked brother, Seeing, shall take heart again. Let us, then, be up and doing, With a heart for any fate; Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor and to wait.

2. The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

Life is made up of a succession of choices. This famous poem begins at a fork in a wooded path and ushers the reader along one “road” as a means of explaining that we must choose one way or another and not dilly-dally in life.

No matter which way we go, we cannot foresee where it will take us, nor how the other would have turned out.

We can do our best to make good decisions, but we’ll never truly know how much worse or better an alternative might have been. And so, we mustn’t regret the road not taken.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

3. If— by Rudyard Kipling

Life will challenge you – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This poem calls out for you to endure, keep going through, and rise above the adversity you will face.

It inspires , it motivates, it provides an example to follow. It’s like a recipe for life – and it provides a most satisfying meal.

If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies, Or being hated, don’t give way to hating, And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise: If you can dream—and not make dreams your master; If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools: If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breathe a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’ If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

4. Do not go gentle into that good night by Dylan Thomas

Death is inevitable, and as this poem states (‘death’ being ‘dark’), it is right. But the author urges us not to yield to death too easily and to fight for life ‘til our last breath.

It reminds us in a powerful and persuasive way that life is fleeting and we ought to make the most of the time we have on this planet.

Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Though wise men at their end know dark is right, Because their words had forked no lightning they Do not go gentle into that good night. Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, Do not go gentle into that good night. Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light. And you, my father, there on the sad height, Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray. Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

5. Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

This prose poem is like an instruction manual for life. It is hugely uplifting and affirms life as something to be journeyed through with integrity and compassion.

It touches upon many areas of existence from our relationships and careers to ageing and our mental well-being.

Truly, a deep and meaningful composition if ever there were one.

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

6. Leisure by W. H. Davies

This short poem could not be more pertinent to the world of today if it tried. It counsels us to take the time to “stand and stare” or, in other words, to slow down and observe all the beauty that surrounds you.

Don’t let the world rush by without notice; open your eyes and see – really see – it in all its glory. Make space in your life for this simplest act of leisure.

What is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare. No time to stand beneath the boughs And stare as long as sheep or cows. No time to see, when woods we pass, Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass. No time to see, in broad daylight, Streams full of stars, like skies at night. No time to turn at Beauty’s glance, And watch her feet, how they can dance. No time to wait till her mouth can Enrich that smile her eyes began. A poor life this if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare.

7. Opportunity by Berton Braley

You may ask yourself what the point of life is if all you do is repeat what others have done before you. This poem serves to remind us that the world never tires of creation and that you are a creator.

It talks of great acts and great deeds, but also of love and romance and laughter and loyalty – things that every man or woman is capable of.

Value what you have to contribute to this world.

With doubt and dismay you are smitten You think there’s no chance for you, son? Why, the best books haven’t been written, The best race hasn’t been run, The best score hasn’t been made yet, The best song hasn’t been sung, The best tune hasn’t been played yet, Cheer up, for the world is young! No chance? Why the world is just eager For things that you ought to create, It’s store of true wealth is still meager, It’s needs are incessant and great, It yearns for more power and beauty, More laughter and love and romance, More loyalty, labor and duty, No chance–why there’s nothing but chance! For the best verse hasn’t been rhymed yet, The best house hasn’t been planned, The highest peak hasn’t been climbed yet, The mightiest rivers aren’t spanned, Don’t worry and fret, faint hearted, The chances have just begun, For the best jobs haven’t been started, The best work hasn’t been done.

8. What Life Should Be by Pat A. Fleming

Stepping away from the famous and classic works, we find this gem of a poem by an amateur writer (just goes to show that anyone can create pieces of great meaning).

Much like those more well-known poems above, it talks us through how we ought to try to live our lives. It’s simple, yet inspiring.

To learn while still a child What this life is meant to be. To know it goes beyond myself, It’s so much more than me. To overcome the tragedies, To survive the hardest times. To face those moments filled with pain, And still manage to be kind. To fight for those who can’t themselves, To always share my light. With those who wander in the dark, To love with all my might. To still stand up with courage, Though standing on my own. To still get up and face each day, Even when I feel alone. To try to understand the ones That no one cares to know. And make them feel some value When the world has let them go. To be an anchor, strong and true, That person loyal to the end. To be a constant source of hope To my family and my friends. To live a life of decency, To share my heart and soul. To always say I’m sorry When I’ve harmed both friend and foe. To be proud of whom I’ve tried to be, And this life I chose to live. To make the most of every day By giving all I have to give. To me that’s what this life should be, To me that’s what it’s for. To take what God has given me And make it so much more To live a life that matters, To be someone of great worth. To love and be loved in return And make my mark on Earth.

Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/what-life-should-be

9. What Is Our Life? by Sir Walter Raleigh

This is the shortest poem on the list at just 10 lines, but it encapsulates how life should not be taken seriously . Instead, the author suggests that life is a comedy and that the earth is our stage.

So what should we do? Act well. Make people laugh. Play our part in the world until the curtain falls and we depart this life.

What is our life? The play of passion. Our mirth? The music of division: Our mothers’ wombs the tiring-houses be, Where we are dressed for life’s short comedy. The earth the stage; Heaven the spectator is, Who sits and views whosoe’er doth act amiss.  The graves which hide us from the scorching sun Are like drawn curtains when the play is done. Thus playing post we to our latest rest, And then we die in earnest, not in jest.

10. The Builders by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

We started with a poem by this author and so we shall end with another. Here, we are taught that life sits atop the building blocks of time and that our actions today give rise to our tomorrows.

We are the architects and builders of our lives and if we want to attain our own version of success, we must put in the hard work and energy.

All are architects of Fate, Working in these walls of Time; Some with massive deeds and great, Some with ornaments of rhyme. Nothing useless is, or low; Each thing in its place is best; And what seems but idle show Strengthens and supports the rest. For the structure that we raise, Time is with materials filled; Our to-days and yesterdays Are the blocks with which we build. Truly shape and fashion these; Leave no yawning gaps between; Think not, because no man sees, Such things will remain unseen. In the elder days of Art, Builders wrought with greatest care Each minute and unseen part; For the Gods see everywhere. Let us do our work as well, Both the unseen and the seen; Make the house, where Gods may dwell, Beautiful, entire, and clean. Else our lives are incomplete, Standing in these walls of Time, Broken stairways, where the feet Stumble as they seek to climb. Build to-day, then, strong and sure, With a firm and ample base; And ascending and secure Shall to-morrow find its place. Thus alone can we attain To those turrets, where the eye Sees the world as one vast plain, And one boundless reach of sky.

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About The Author

Steve Phillips-Waller is the founder and editor of A Conscious Rethink. He has written extensively on the topics of life, relationships, and mental health for more than 8 years.

Loving. Healing. Touching.

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• Poems about Life Struggles

The Journey Of Life

Poem about life struggles, a nostalgic look at life and how it can be personified..

Who would be the voice of this poem God or a Mother?

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Published by Family Friend Poems January 2009 with permission of the Author.

I was the sunshine that cradled your day that tried to push the clouds away I was the sand that ran between your toes when you were four years old that soon became the rain you danced in from seven to eleven And I watched you grow in the glow of a moon that beamed when you turned thirteen How unfair you thought I'd become when you turned twenty-one because you lost a few dreams But I stayed awake when you were out late I was the stars 'till you turned twenty-eight And when you found your love "the one" I was the glimmer in the eye, the blue sky, the sun Then you turned thirty-one I became cloud, thunder, and shower there weren't enough minutes to put in your hour You forgot how to dance in the rain 'till you turned forty all you did was complain Then you took off your shoes and went back to the sand I was now the warmth of your child's hand At forty-three you spent more time with me You began to understand And when you stood fifty years old you stayed warm to me even though at times I was cold How close we grew when you turned sixty-two The breeze was I that hung your grandchild's kite in the sky And I'm sorry I made you sad when I took "the one" away But I was proud when you pushed aside that cloud and cradled 'me' in the sun for the remainder of our day

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I read this and it gave me some inspiration on what I should write my journey poem for Language Arts. Thank you. <3 Lolz

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Journey Of Life

• Your Journey Through Life Poet: Julie Hebert , ©2011 Life can be wonderful and grand, It just takes a few helpful hands. A great attitude also helps, You must be your biggest fans. If you believe in you, There's not much you cannot do. Just be happy with what you have, And always stay true to you. We all can have our ups and downs, How you handle them that determines your frown. A frown can go either way, Facing down or up like a clown. Hoping life will treat you well, Although you can cast your own spell. Think of each day as one great ride, And you will always be so very swell!

• Given That We Are John McLeod © Given that we are so often guided Let not your heart be sad when cares pile pelf The road you tread was long ago decided The hurdles crossed placed surely by yourself A course of obstacles to test the spirit Refine the soul and cause the need to strive Towards the light of God that shines so brightly From which we came, and where we shall arrive At journey's end, and after Life's full growing The bread we cast shall be as was foretold A measure of the Love we gave in sowing Returning to enrich ten thousandfold!
• Go Through Life Poet: Minot J. Savage We go through life as Some tourists go through Europe, - So anxious to see the next sight, The next cathedral, the next picture, The next mountain peak, That we never stop to fill our sense With the beauty of the present one. Along all our pathways sweet flowers are blossoming, If we will only stop to pluck them and Smell their fragrance. In every meadow, birds are warbling, Calling to their mates, and Soaring into the blue, If we will only stop our grumbling Long enough to hear them.
• To Thine Own Self Be True Poet: Pakenham Beatty By thine own soul's law learn to live, And if men thwart thee take no heed, And if men hate thee have no care; Sing thou thy song and do thy deed Hope thou thy hope and pray thy prayer, And claim no crown they will not give, Nor bays they grudge thee for thy hair. Keep thou thy soul-sworn steadfast oath, And to thy heart be true thy heart; What thy soul teaches learn to know, And play out thine appointed part; And thou shalt reap as thou shalt sow, Nor helped nor hindered in thy growth, To thy full stature thou shalt grow. Fix on the future's goal thy face, And let thy feet be lured to stray Nowhither, but be swift to run, And nowhere tarry by the way, Until at last the end is won, And thou mayst look back from thy place And see thy long day's journey done.
• At The Cross Road Poet: W. A. Drews Along life's winding- highway Where twists and bends the trail Where men pass on each weary day Some reach the goal, some fail. Some wander on with little aim Just trust they're going straight Turn blindly wrong, then place all blame Upon an adverse fate. Yet the road winds on, with living freight And it branches before the end And there are those who walk it straight But more, the wrong branch wend. And those who struggle on to win They pass with footsteps brave While others o'er the rocks of sin Turn at the fork, to hopeless grave. And there are those with stride grown weak Bent and blanched 'neath guilty load At doubtful turns, right markers seek As they pause at the forks of the road. For them, Oh Lord, let the cross appear At the split of life's highway And point its arms to the road that's clear So none may go astray.
• The Trail Poet: Arthur E. McFatridge As I stand on the street at eventide And watch the crowds go by, The rich and the poor, the large and the small, I am prone to wonder why - To try and guess what it's all about, And what they are going to do When they get to the end of the trail they're on - But perhaps they are wondering, too. Some may never reach the goal They are trying so hard to find; It may be, perchance, they are on the wrong road, The one they had in mind When they started alone on the journey of life. On the road that we all are on; The road to be traveled by those yet to come; The trail of those who are gone. The manner in which we walk may count; The things that we leave behind May have something to do, when we get to the end. With what we, there, will find. So, while we're upon the journey of life, Why not walk upright, and be Able to see at the end of the trail The things we may want to see?

• Poems About Trains and Life: An Ode to Journeys

Trains have long captured the imaginations of poets, serving as a powerful metaphor for the journey of life itself. From the rhythmic chugging of wheels on tracks to the fleeting landscapes glimpsed through windows, trains have inspired countless poetic works. Poems about trains and life explore themes of movement, transition, and the passage of time. In this article, we will delve into the captivating world of train poetry and explore a few remarkable examples.

The Rhythms of Life and the Tracks

Metaphoric journeys, the lure of the unknown.

Trains, with their mechanical symphony, evoke a sense of rhythm that mirrors the heartbeat of existence. Just as life's experiences shape us, the clickety-clack of wheels on tracks leads us forward, carrying us through the ups and downs of our journey. The poem "Train Rhythm" by Langston Hughes brilliantly captures this essence:

Train Rhythm by Langston Hughes

Train ride Rhythm of the wheels The iron track Sudden night Only the song Of the steel Only the song Of the wheels Rainy dawn And the song Of the wheels Again.

In these few lines, Hughes distills the essence of a train ride, emphasizing the repetitive nature of life's challenges and the importance of finding solace in those rhythms.

Trains are not merely physical entities; they symbolize the intricate passages we navigate in life. The train's journey from station to station mirrors our own journeys from one phase of life to another. In "Traveling Through the Dark," poet William Stafford uses a train as a metaphor for the choices we make on our life's path:

Traveling Through the Dark by William Stafford

Traveling through the dark I found a deer dead on the edge of the Wilson River road. It is usually best to roll them into the canyon: that road is narrow; to swerve might make more dead. By glow of the tail-light I stumbled back of the car and stood by the heap, a doe, a recent killing; she had stiffened already, almost cold. I dragged her off; she was large in the belly. My fingers touching her side brought me the reason— her side was warm; her fawn lay there waiting, alive, still, never to be born. Beside that mountain road I hesitated. The car aimed ahead its lowered parking lights; under the hood purred the steady engine. I stood in the glare of the warm exhaust turning red; around our group I could hear the wilderness listen.

In this haunting poem, Stafford confronts the choices we face and the moral dilemmas that arise during our journey through life. The train becomes a symbol of the path we are on, and the decisions we make can have profound consequences.

Trains also evoke a sense of adventure and the allure of the unknown. They beckon us to explore beyond the boundaries of our comfort zones. In "The Golden Journey to Samarkand," poet James Elroy Flecker beautifully captures the spirit of wanderlust inspired by trains:

The Golden Journey to Samarkand by James Elroy Flecker

We who with songs beguile your pilgrimage And swear that beauty lives though lilies die, We poets of the proud old lineage Who sing to find your hearts, we know not why— What shall we tell you? Tales, marvellous tales Of ships and stars and isles where good men rest, Where nevermore the rose of sunset pales, And winds and shadows fall towards the West. And there the world’s first huge white-bearded kings In dim glades sleeping, murmur while they sleep; And closer round their breasts the ivy clings, Cutting its pathway slow and red and deep. And how beguile you? Death has no repose Warmer and deeper than that Orient sand Which hides the beauty and bright faith of those Who make the Golden Journey to Samarkand.

Flecker's poem speaks to the allure of distant lands and the irresistible call to explore the unknown. Just as trains carry us to new destinations, the poem transports readers to a realm of imagination and adventure.

Poems about trains and life encapsulate the essence of our own journeys, reminding us of the rhythmic nature of existence, the choices we face, and the allure of the unknown. Through the vivid imagery and poignant metaphors found in train poetry, we gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of life's journey. So, next time you board a train, take a moment to reflect on the profound symbolism it holds and perhaps even pen your own ode to the train that carries you through this ever-changing voyage we call life.

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Story Arcadia

Train Of Life Poem: The Journey of Life

The Journey of Life The train of life chugs along With its rhythmic, steady song Each car filled with memories and dreams And the ever-changing landscape it seems

The whistle blows, a mournful cry As we pass by moments, fleeting by The tracks ahead, they twist and turn As we navigate the lessons we must learn

Sometimes the journey is smooth and clear Other times, obstacles appear But through it all, we hold on tight Embracing both the darkness and the light

We meet fellow travelers along the way Sharing stories to brighten our day And as we reach each new destination We find strength in our own determination

So let’s savor every moment that flies past For this train of life won’t forever last Let’s cherish each stop and every bend For this journey is one that will never end Commentary and Analysis The poem “The Journey of Life” explores the metaphor of life as a train journey, with its ups and downs, twists and turns, and the people we meet along the way. The central themes of the poem include the passage of time, resilience in the face of obstacles, and the importance of cherishing every moment.

The poet uses various literary devices to convey these themes. The use of personification in describing the train as having a “rhythmic, steady song” and a “mournful cry” gives it human-like qualities, emphasizing its role as a symbol for life itself. The rhyme scheme is consistent throughout the poem (ABAB), contributing to its rhythmic flow and reinforcing the idea of life’s continuous movement forward.

In terms of structure, the poem consists of four quatrains with an ABAB rhyme scheme. This form creates a sense of balance and symmetry within each stanza while also providing a cohesive structure for conveying the journey through life. The meter is primarily iambic tetrameter, with lines alternating between four stressed syllables followed by four unstressed syllables. This regular rhythm adds to the overall musicality and flow of the poem.

Historically and culturally, this poem reflects universal experiences shared by people across different times and cultures. The metaphor of life as a journey is one that has been used in literature throughout history to convey similar themes such as resilience, change, and personal growth. In this context, it serves as a reminder that despite our individual differences, we all share in the experience of navigating through life’s challenges.

Key lines such as “But through it all, we hold on tight / Embracing both darkness and light” emphasize resilience in facing adversity while also acknowledging that there are moments of joy amidst hardship. These lines highlight an important message about finding strength in difficult times while also appreciating moments of happiness.

Overall, “The Journey of Life” effectively conveys its central themes through its use of literary devices such as personification and rhyme scheme. Its structure contributes to its impact by creating a sense of rhythm and balance within each stanza. Its historical and cultural context enhances its meaning by connecting it to universal experiences shared by people around the world. And key lines offer insights into finding strength in adversity while cherishing moments of joy along life’s journey.

Related Pages:

• Train Poem: Journey of the Train
• The Train Poem About Life: The Journey of Life
• Poem About Life: Moments Woven Tight
• A Poem About Life: Moments Woven Tight
• Poem Of Life: Moments Woven Tight
• Poem About Clouds: Sky's Ever-changing Canvas

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1 Love Poems

Journey through life: poems of adventure and discovery.

Exploring the Road of Life: Poems About the Journey

Welcome to our page on Poems About Journeys! Whether it’s a physical journey or an emotional one, we’ve got you covered. From exploring new lands to discovering oneself, our range of poems will take you on a ride! So buckle up and enjoy the journey through the power of poetry.

Short Poems

1. “The Wanderer’s Song” Roaming through hills and valleys, Searching for a place to belong, Drifting along the open roads, I sing the wanderer’s song.

2. “Road to Redemption” One step at a time, My journey never ends, On this road to redemption, I find healing in each bend.

3. “Traveler’s Dreams” Gazing at the stars above, I dream of places far and wide, My heart filled with wanderlust, As I go where fate decides.

4. “The Journey Within” Inward bound my journey takes, To the depth of my soul, I seek the path of enlightenment, To make myself whole.

Medium Poems

The Road Ahead

The road ahead is long and winding, Filled with twists and turns, But we must keep on finding, Even when our spirit burns.

The path may be unclear, And the way may seem too steep, But we must conquer fear, And never fall asleep.

For the journey is what matters, More than the destination, And every step we take, Is a moment of creation.

So let’s take each step with purpose, And never lose our way, For the road ahead is waiting, To lead us to a brighter day.

The Journey Within

The journey within is never easy, But it’s one we must all take, To uncover who we truly are, And find our own true fate.

We must face our deepest fears, And conquer every doubt, To reach our full potential, And let our true selves out.

The journey within is long, And sometimes it feels too hard, But we must keep on going, And never let down our guard.

For once we find our inner selves, Our lives will be transformed, And we’ll see the world around us, In ways we never had before.

So let’s take the journey within, With eyes and hearts wide open, And let’s discover who we are, And live our lives unbroken.

Embarking on a Journey

Embarking on a journey, with suitcase in my hand, I leave behind the comforts of home, the familiar sights and sounds. With every step I take, I feel the excitement grow, As I set out on an adventure, not quite sure where I’ll go.

The road ahead is long, and winds through unknown lands, But I am not afraid, for I have my trusty plans. I have a map and compass, a guidebook in my bag, And a spirit of adventure that will never let me lag.

As I traverse through mountains, valleys, and seas, I am filled with awe and wonder, with the beauty that I see. The world is a wondrous place, with its sights and sounds and hues, And with every new experience, I feel like I renew.

I meet people on my way, with cultures and customs so different, And I realize that the world is vast, with perspectives so variant. But in spite of all the differences, there are similarities too, For we are all human, with our loves and losses, joys and blues.

As I travel on and on, I know that I’ll soon return, To the place that I call home, with my family and my hearth. But in my heart I’ll carry, the memories of my journey, As I reminisce the times gone by, with a smile and a yearning.

For there is something so exciting, about embarking on a voyage, Of leaving behind the mundane, and experiencing something new and large. So here’s to all the journeys that we take, big and small, For each one has something to teach us, and it’s up to us to heed the call.

The Journey of Life

Life is a journey, a path we all take Starting as babies, our first steps we make Into the unknown, we enter the world With emotions and feelings still yet unfurled

As we grow older, we find our own way Learning and growing more every day Making choices that shape who we will be Learning from each step, each action we see

The journey is long, with highs and with lows Each moment unique, each one ebbs and flows Triumphs and struggles, all part of the ride As we navigate with each turn and each stride

Through love and loss, through pleasure and pain With each passing day, we gather more gain Wisdom and insight, from each passing year And memories that last, oh so very dear

The journey of life, it takes us so far To places we never thought we would bar It gives us the courage to chase our dreams To live, to love, and to see what life means

And as we arrive at each new destination We look back on our past with elation For all of the struggles, all of the strife Have led us here, to the joy of life

So let us embrace each twist and each turn And live each moment, eager to learn For the journey of life, it is the key To living a life that is full and free.

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Welcome to a "Life's Journey through Poetry"

"a picture is worth a thousand words", but a poem..., frees the mind to frame a picture with only a few chosen words. set to music, a poem can become a lasting soulful expression, a song for the ages as is ‘amazing grace’., that is the power and magic of poetry. , the most skilled of poets can bend words into structure, create timeless sonnets, elegies, ballads, villanelles, and then loosen the confines into free verse. through cadence and imagery, the poet generates a virtual tour and a novel pathway to view the world..