Poetry has long been a way to reflect on life’s challenges and joys. At its best, it celebrates human resilience, hope, and beauty. In this article, we explore 15 positive poems that capture the spirit of life and its many wonders. These poems offer encouragement, peace, and purpose. Some are classic; others are modern. All of them remind us to appreciate life in its fullness.
15 Positive Poems About Life
1. “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost
Robert Frost’s iconic poem is not just about choice—it’s about embracing life with confidence.
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
— Robert Frost, 1916
Frost shows us that life is about taking chances. The positive message lies in celebrating our decisions, even if they lead to the unknown. The poem encourages trust in our personal path.
Source: Mountain Interval, Henry Holt and Company, 1916.
2. “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou’s poem is a declaration of inner strength.
“Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.”
— Maya Angelou, 1978
Angelou’s voice shines with confidence. It’s a poem about dignity, pride, and joy in being alive, even when the world tries to pull you down. Her message is both deeply personal and universal.
Source: And Still I Rise, Random House, 1978.
3. “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” by William Wordsworth
Wordsworth’s classic reminds us of nature’s healing power.
“For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude.”
— William Wordsworth, 1807
The daffodils in the poem become symbols of beauty and memory. Wordsworth suggests that joy can be found even in quiet reflection. Life is enhanced by simple pleasures.
Source: Poems in Two Volumes, 1807.
4. “A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Longfellow’s work is a motivational call to action.
“Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time.”
— Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1838
This poem encourages readers to live actively and meaningfully. It urges us not to drift through life but to live with purpose and courage.
Source: Voices of the Night, 1838.
5. “Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann
Although written in prose-poem form, Desiderata reads like a gentle guide to peace.
“Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.”
— Max Ehrmann, 1927
The poem gives practical advice for living well—speaking kindly, avoiding cynicism, and being at peace with yourself. It is quietly optimistic and spiritually grounded.
Source: Copyright Max Ehrmann, 1927.
6. “Love After Love” by Derek Walcott
This poem speaks of self-acceptance.
“You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart.”
— Derek Walcott, 1976
Walcott offers a hopeful message: in time, we come home to ourselves. Life’s journey can lead to reconciliation with who we truly are. That’s a deeply positive idea.
Source: Sea Grapes, Jonathan Cape, 1976.
7. “The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry
Berry’s short poem offers a calm oasis in troubled times.
“For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.”
— Wendell Berry, 1968
This poem suggests that nature offers refuge from human anxiety. The poet finds healing in stillness. It reminds us that peace is always available, if we slow down.
Source: The Selected Poems of Wendell Berry, 1998.
8. “Song of Myself” (Excerpt) by Walt Whitman
Whitman’s epic celebrates the body, the soul, and life itself.
“I celebrate myself, and sing myself,
And what I assume you shall assume,
For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.”
— Walt Whitman, 1855
Whitman’s voice is bold and inclusive. He sees the self as part of the universe. Life is rich and joyful, and the self is something to be proud of.
Source: Leaves of Grass, 1855.
9. “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou
Angelou’s voice once again fills us with life-affirming pride.
“It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.”
— Maya Angelou, 1978
This is a celebration of confidence and being unapologetically yourself. It uplifts all readers, not just women. The joy is infectious.
Source: Phenomenal Woman: Four Poems Celebrating Women, 1995.
10. “Leisure” by W. H. Davies
Davies questions our fast-paced lives and invites us to slow down.
“What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare?”
— W. H. Davies, 1911
This poem is simple, yet profound. It reminds us that joy often comes in quiet observation. It’s a call to savor life, not rush through it.
Source: Songs of Joy and Others, 1911.
11. “Hope is the Thing with Feathers” by Emily Dickinson
Dickinson’s metaphor of hope as a bird is delicate and uplifting.
“Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all.”
— Emily Dickinson, c. 1861
This poem reminds us that hope is always present, even in hardship. It never asks for anything, yet always gives.
Source: The Poems of Emily Dickinson, edited by Thomas H. Johnson, 1955.
12. “She Walks in Beauty” by Lord Byron
Byron’s ode to a woman’s grace also celebrates harmony and inner peace.
“She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies.”
— Lord Byron, 1814
Although romantic in tone, this poem also reflects on balance and calm. There is positivity in its reverence for quiet strength and beauty.
Source: Hebrew Melodies, 1815.
13. “The Guest House” by Rumi (translated by Coleman Barks)
Rumi’s wisdom is ancient, but timeless.
“This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.”
— Rumi, 13th century
Rumi teaches acceptance. Even pain has something to teach us. The poem’s positive message is that life’s emotional range is valuable.
Source: The Essential Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks, 1995.
14. “On Joy and Sorrow” by Kahlil Gibran
This philosophical poem blends opposites.
“Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.”
— Kahlil Gibran, 1923
Gibran explores the relationship between joy and sorrow, suggesting they are two sides of the same coin. Life’s depth is a gift. His message is both poetic and compassionate.
Source: The Prophet, Alfred A. Knopf, 1923.
15. “Let Evening Come” by Jane Kenyon
This poem invites acceptance and calm.
“Let it come, as it will, and don’t
be afraid. God does not leave us
comfortless, so let evening come.”
— Jane Kenyon, 1990
Kenyon finds peace in endings. She does not fear the close of the day or of life. There is profound positivity in this quiet surrender.
Source: Let Evening Come: Poems, Graywolf Press, 1990.
Conclusion
Poetry offers a lens to see the world more clearly. These 15 poems celebrate different aspects of life—choice, nature, self-love, resilience, and peace. Some poems focus on action and courage, while others invite us to pause and reflect.
Despite differences in style and voice, these poems share a common thread: they uplift the human spirit. They encourage us to be present, to seek joy, and to find meaning even in pain. Each poem is a reminder that life, with all its complexities, is still worth celebrating.
Whether you read poetry often or just occasionally, these pieces have the power to enrich your perspective. Keep them close. Return to them when you need hope, clarity, or simply a moment of beauty.
