Living a good life is a concept that transcends cultures, eras, and philosophies. For many, the quest for living well is an ongoing pursuit—a delicate balance of wisdom, joy, integrity, and meaningful connection. Poets throughout history have explored the idea of what it means to live a life of quality, fulfillment, and purpose. In this article, we delve into thirteen beautiful, lesser-known poems that shed light on the nuances of living a good life. Through these works, we can uncover profound insights about life’s simplicity, complexity, and the values that shape our journeys.
The 13 Great Poems About Living a Good Life You May Not Know
1. The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost
“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.”
Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” is often interpreted as a reflection on choice and the paths we take in life. The poem speaks to the significance of the decisions we make, and how they shape our future. Living a good life, according to Frost, involves making choices that resonate with one’s inner values, even when the outcomes are unknown. The narrator stands at a crossroads, much like any individual deciding between different life paths. Ultimately, the poem suggests that the choices we make, whether they seem ordinary or monumental, contribute to the story of who we become.
2. The Summer Day by Mary Oliver
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?”
Mary Oliver’s “The Summer Day” offers an intimate reflection on the fleeting beauty of life. The speaker’s direct question challenges the reader to consider how they are spending their limited time. The idea of a “wild and precious life” underscores the importance of living with purpose and mindfulness. Oliver invites us to embrace the simplicity of the present moment while also pondering the deeper meaning of our existence. This poem encourages us to lead a life filled with awareness, joy, and gratitude, reminding us that the good life lies in appreciating what we have and how we choose to live.
3. 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…”
Rudyard Kipling’s “If” is a poem of resilience and moral fortitude. Through a series of “ifs,” Kipling outlines qualities that define an individual capable of living a good life—self-discipline, patience, strength of character, and the ability to rise above adversity. The poem is both a guide for personal growth and a meditation on how one’s actions and attitudes shape their life’s trajectory. For Kipling, living well involves the courage to remain true to oneself and to act with integrity, even when faced with external challenges.
4. A Psalm of Life by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“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.”
In “A Psalm of Life,” Longfellow urges readers to live with purpose and passion. The poem stresses that life is not simply a preparation for the afterlife, but a journey to be embraced fully. For Longfellow, the good life is about seizing the present moment, pursuing one’s dreams, and leaving a legacy. The speaker calls on individuals to live with meaning, to act with vigor, and to resist the temptation of passivity. The ultimate message of the poem is clear: Life is not a rehearsal; it is our one chance to make a difference.
5. 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.”
Max Ehrmann’s “Desiderata” is a timeless poem that offers practical advice for living a life of peace, love, and balance. The poem presents a vision of a good life characterized by inner calm and harmonious relationships. Ehrmann advises us to embrace serenity amid the chaos of the world, to avoid unnecessary conflict, and to nurture our own well-being while respecting others. By incorporating these gentle guidelines into our daily lives, we can move closer to the kind of life that is fulfilling and meaningful.
6. Leisure by W. H. Davies
“What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare?
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.”
W. H. Davies’ “Leisure” is a meditation on the busyness of modern life and the importance of pausing to appreciate the world around us. In our relentless pursuit of success, material gain, or societal approval, we often forget to enjoy the beauty and simple pleasures of life. The poem highlights the importance of slowing down, of taking moments to “stand and stare,” and of appreciating the small, often unnoticed details of life. Living a good life, according to Davies, involves cultivating the ability to pause and savor the moments of quiet wonder.
7. Uphill by Christina Rossetti
“Does the road wind up-hill all the way?
Yes, to the very end.
Will the day’s journey take the whole long day?
From morn to night, my friend.”
Christina Rossetti’s “Uphill” explores the challenges and hardships of life, presenting them as a metaphorical journey up a hill. The poem’s speaker grapples with questions of struggle and perseverance, yet the reassuring answer comes in the form of a promise: the journey, though difficult, will eventually lead to a place of rest and peace. For Rossetti, a good life is not one devoid of difficulties, but one in which perseverance and faith provide solace and direction. The poem teaches that while life may be arduous, there is always hope and a sense of reward at the end of the journey.
8. The Laughing Heart by Charles Bukowski
“Your life is your life.
Don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission.
Be on the watch.
There are ways out.
There is a light somewhere.
It may not be much light but
it beats the darkness.”
Charles Bukowski’s “The Laughing Heart” is a powerful call to live boldly and authentically. The poem challenges readers to take control of their own lives, to resist the pressures that society places on them, and to seek out the light in the darkness. Bukowski suggests that a good life is one where we fight for our freedom and integrity, refusing to succumb to despair. In his view, even the smallest glimmer of hope can provide the strength needed to keep moving forward.
9. The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer
“It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.
Oriah Mountain Dreamer’s “The Invitation” invites readers to reflect on the deeper questions of life. It challenges superficial measures of success, urging us to focus on what truly matters—our passions, desires, and aspirations. The poem suggests that living a good life means following our authentic path, embracing our dreams, and forging meaningful connections. Oriah calls on readers to live intentionally, to seek truth, and to be courageous in the pursuit of what brings us joy and fulfillment.
10. Ithaka by Constantine P. Cavafy
“As you set out for Ithaka
hope the voyage is a long one,
full of adventure, full of discovery.”
In “Ithaka,” Constantine P. Cavafy presents the idea that the journey is just as important as the destination. The poem’s speaker reflects on life as a voyage, encouraging the reader to appreciate the experiences and lessons that come along the way. By focusing on the journey rather than the destination, Cavafy suggests that living a good life is about cultivating patience, curiosity, and resilience. Every step of the path, no matter how challenging, brings us closer to wisdom and self-understanding.
11. Wild Geese by Mary Oliver
“You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
For a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.”
Mary Oliver’s “Wild Geese” emphasizes the beauty of self-acceptance and the importance of living authentically. The poem rejects the idea of perfection, instead celebrating the freedom that comes from embracing one’s true nature. In a world that often demands conformity, Oliver reminds us that living a good life is not about meeting external expectations, but about allowing ourselves the space to love and be loved. The poem encourages readers to trust their instincts and find peace in simply being who they are.
12. The Peace of Wild Things by Wendell Berry
“When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
Wendell Berry’s “The Peace of Wild Things” is a poem about finding solace and perspective in the natural world. The speaker turns to nature in moments of anxiety and fear, seeking comfort in the simplicity and purity of the wild. For Berry, a good life is not only about human connections and achievements, but also about reconnecting with the earth and the creatures that inhabit it. The poem speaks to the therapeutic power of nature, reminding us that true peace often comes from stepping away from the noise of life and immersing ourselves in the calm of the natural world.
13. This is the Day by The Rev. Richard J. Foster
“This is the day which the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Based on Psalm 118:24, Richard Foster’s poem is a simple yet profound reminder to live in gratitude and joy. The message of the poem is clear: Each day is a gift, and we should embrace it with enthusiasm and positivity. For Foster, living a good life means recognizing the preciousness of time and making the most of each day, regardless of its challenges. It’s a call to embrace the present and find joy in even the smallest moments of life.
Conclusion
These thirteen poems offer a wide range of perspectives on living a good life. From the importance of choices and resilience to the value of authenticity and peace, each poem provides unique insights into how we can lead lives filled with meaning and fulfillment. Whether you seek solace, inspiration, or guidance, these poems can serve as companions on your journey toward living well.
