Overcoming Hard Times Poems
Published: October 2019
Each one of us will face hard times at some point in life. Sometimes the hardships come for a short season, and other times they seem to last longer than anticipated. Even though those moments feel like they are going to break us, we each have incredible strength that can push us forward. Having the determination and mindset to persevere can make all the difference.
Even though the struggles in life are not fun, and we wish we could do without them, they help develop our character. They teach us lessons we would not learn when things are pleasant. Each struggle we overcome is one more that shows us we can make it through anything. We hope these poems inspire you to find the courage to keep fighting whatever you are facing at the moment. Get ready to put the past behind you and embrace the future.
28 Poems About Perseverance And Overcoming Challenges
-
1. If
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!Featured Shared StoryI was never an avid reader nor appreciated poetry most of my life. My dad sent me this poem for my 28th birthday, printed along with a lovely card. Living many miles away from him I often...
-
2. Good Timber
The tree that never had to fight
For sun and sky and air and light,
But stood out in the open plain
And always got its share of rain,
Never became a forest king
But lived and died a scrubby thing.
The man who never had to toil
To gain and farm his patch of soil,
Who never had to win his share
Of sun and sky and light and air,
Never became a manly man
But lived and died as he began.
Good timber does not grow with ease,
The stronger wind, the stronger trees,
The further sky, the greater length,
The more the storm, the more the strength.
By sun and cold, by rain and snow,
In trees and men good timbers grow.
Where thickest lies the forest growth
We find the patriarchs of both.
And they hold counsel with the stars
Whose broken branches show the scars
Of many winds and much of strife.
This is the common law of life.Featured Shared StoryPoetry is a passionate way of expressing our innermost thoughts, emotions, spirit, and love, amongst other things. As I read this poem, I thought of a very humble gentleman who lost his...
-
3. You Will Never See Me Fall
You may see me struggle,
but you won't see me fall.
Regardless if I'm weak or not,
I'm going to stand tall.
Everyone says life is easy,
but truly living it is not.
Times get hard,
people struggle
and constantly get put on the spot.
I'm going to wear the biggest smile,
even though I want to cry.
I'm going to fight to live,
even though I'm destined to die.
And even though it's hard
and I may struggle through it all,
you may see me struggle...
but you will NEVER see me fall.
Featured Shared StoryThis is the best poem that I have ever read in my entire life. I grew up in a family where I had to see my mother being abused by my dad several times since I was five years old. I am 15...
-
4. Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.
Featured Shared StoryOnce I was a good student. I have always been an obedient and gentle person. Then I failed in my life for the first time in the year 2002. Something happened and I fell right from the top and...
-
5. See It Through
When you’re up against a trouble,
Meet it squarely, face to face;
Lift your chin and set your shoulders,
Plant your feet and take a brace.
When it’s vain to try to dodge it,
Do the best that you can do;
You may fail, but you may conquer,
See it through!
Black may be the clouds about you
And your future may seem grim,
But don’t let your nerve desert you;
Keep yourself in fighting trim.
If the worst is bound to happen,
Spite of all that you can do,
Running from it will not save you,
See it through!
Even hope may seem but futile,
When with troubles you’re beset,
But remember you are facing
Just what other men have met.
You may fail, but fall still fighting;
Don’t give up, whate’er you do;
Eyes front, head high to the finish.
See it through!Featured Shared StoryI was feeling down, discouraged, confused and all sorts of unpleasant ways today. Going through a failed marriage, raising two young boys by myself, but moreover struggling with my own...
-
6. The Will To Win
If you want a thing bad enough
To go out and fight for it,
Work day and night for it,
Give up your time and your peace and
your sleep for it
If only desire of it
Makes you quite mad enough
Never to tire of it,
Makes you hold all other things tawdry
and cheap for it
If life seems all empty and useless without it
And all that you scheme and you dream is about it,
If gladly you'll sweat for it,
Fret for it, Plan for it,
Lose all your terror of God or man for it,
If you'll simply go after that thing that you want.
With all your capacity,
Strength and sagacity,
Faith, hope and confidence, stern pertinacity,
If neither cold poverty, famished and gaunt,
Nor sickness nor pain
Of body or brain
Can turn you away from the thing that you want,
If dogged and grim you besiege and beset it,
You'll get it!Featured Shared StoryI like how I became motivated to proceed with caution concerning my worldly desire. I do not want my faith and hope to be misplaced. When my will is invoked by deep feelings of want for...
-
7. Rise
I will rise
After every fall.
I will rise
And stand tall.
I will rise
Over the wall.
I will rise
Above them all.
Like the sun,
Which never dies.
Though sets every night,
Every day it does rise.
Like the ocean
Whose tides
Many times they are down,
But invariably they rise.
Like the trees,
From seeds they arise,
And heights great
They rise and rise.
After falling once,
Twice and thrice,
Again and again
I will rise and rise.
I will rise
After every fall.
After every fall
I will rise.
Featured Shared StoryI'm from a country which is famous for its literature. And it's Iran. So we, Iranians, know what a good poem is. I really like your poem. It teaches us never give up. It teaches us if birds...
-
8. Mother To Son
Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor-
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So, boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps.
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now-
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.Featured Shared StoryI was not a very good student when I was in school. I did the minimal amount of work required, retained little and barely paid attention. In 1965, my 8th grade English teacher read MOTHER TO...
-
9. Inner Strength
It's only through mistakes we make
We learn where we went wrong.
It's only when we're far from home
We realize where we belong.
It's only when we close our eyes
Our dreams seem clear and bright.
It's only in our darkest hours
We truly see the light.
It's only when we lose our way
We pray to the stars above.
It's only through times of grief
We learn the true meaning of love.
It's only when all hope seems lost
And our weary journey seems so far,
When all the world's against you,
We learn how strong we really are.
All things are sent to try us.
We must strive and give our best.
I believe God is watching over us,
And he guides us in our quest.Featured Shared StoryHi HOSwrites, I believe each day is a step nearer, on the road to fulfillment, and that each mistake is a lesson. They'll be many obstacles to overcome, and we may often ask where God is,...
-
10. Your Wounds
in Short Poems
Time doesn’t heal wounds
to make you forget.
It doesn’t heal wounds to
erase the memories.
Time leaves you with a scar
to remind you of how you fought through it.
Time leaves you with a scar
to remind you of how you bled
and how you survived.
You survived.
Featured Shared StoryVery nicely done. I totally agree with you. I've used this same approach in my own life. I think sometime we pay more attention to what we're about to go through instead of how much you've...
-
11. I Will Prevail
I have been told that I will never exceed.
I have been told that I am living in a dream.
I have been pushed to the side by many of my peers.
I have heard of the struggles that were present before me.
I have heard others speak of the struggles they were presented with.
I have accepted I can't change everything in my life.
I know the things that can be changed will take time.
I have watched many come and fall.
I have seen those who have raised to riches fall to pennies.
I have started a goal.
I have told myself that I will prevail.
I have seen the evil in life.
I have once been a victim to this life.
I have learned that the only thing that can hold you back in life is living for the past.
I refuse to give up without a try.
I refuse to let anyone tell me that I can't reach the sky.
I refuse to live for today.
I will always prepare for tomorrow, even though it is not guaranteed.
I will refuse to allow anyone to change my heart.
I believe that God will lead me to a higher place.
I believe that change has been accepted for my life.
I believe that someone is watching over me.
I will prevail.
I apologize for the struggles others may have faced.
I refuse to allow myself wait.
I know that many have never received an apology for the struggles they have faced.
I hope that you accept this from me as I am speaking through them to you.
I know that for many of you this is the reason
You have given in to the belief that you can't exceed.
I will continue through the obstacles that step in my way.
I will ask for guidance every day.
I will not give up.
I will not give in.
I will not look back.
I will not expect that this is all my life is meant to be.
I will continue.
I will prevail.Featured Shared StoryThis poem hits me right smack in the heart. I feel it in the depts of my soul. You see, I lost my son, my only child coming up on 9 years. He was only 20 years old. And he was such an old...
-
12. Mt. Take Heart
in Hope Poems
Often we can't see
The beauty in the pain.
Often we can't see
The treasure we gain.
Often we can't see
Pain has an ending.
Often others can't see
Our hearts are breaking.
Often we just see
The mountain of blame.
Often it's a journey
Full of lies and shame.
Take heart, dear little one.
The scars will heal in time.
I know it weighs a ton,
But you'll be fine.
Listen, my love.
The mountain is strenuous.
There comes hope from above;
Take heart and be courageous.Featured Shared StoryThis poem has really taught me how to value the thing we have and the people around us. We never know what we have got until it's all gone, so be wary that you don't lose the moon while...
-
13. The Girl
A letter to that girl
That girl who sat by herself
That girl who doubted herself
That girl who was bullied
She was let down
A letter to that girl
That girl who was used
That girl who was manipulated
That girl who was gaslighted
She was left in pieces
A letter to that girl:
You are beautiful
You are wonderful
You are you
Don't let anyone take that away from you
And I know this world can knock you so far down
Trust me, I do
But it's all about picking yourself back up
Fighting back
And showing just who you are
Look at you, so strong
You showed everyone who you are
And even in the darkest moments
You pulled through
And you became you
So this is a letter to that girl
That girl who was knocked down
But she learned to get up
Everything is easier said than done
But I know how it all feels
For this is a letter to that girl
And that girl is meFeatured Shared StoryThis hit home to the T. I couldn't have said it better if I wrote it myself. To whoever wrote this, I feel for what you feel, and it gives me courage to go on. Thank you for sharing it to us...
-
14. My Water My Blood
in Anger Poems
Is your family still together, just like way back when?
Do you stick by each other through thick and thin?
Or do you hardly know the one that you call brother?
And do you ponder why you seldom talk to mother?
It wasn't always this way, I can recall there was a time...
We were all together and we were doing fine.
We all have our problems, please don't get me wrong...
But I can remember a time when life was still a song.
So much has happened to tear us into pieces...
Broken hearts never mended and hatred still increases...
Once I became an adult and reality banged on my door,
I realized that this was not a family anymore...
It is small and broken, some here and there...
Left to wonder who really cares.
It brings a storm of resentment from what has become...
The events of this torn home left me feeling numb.
Even though I now have a life that I cherish
I love my family and I would never let perish...
The foundation I've built from what I've learned...
The feeling of warmth for which I yearned.
I once missed the ways I learned to live without...
No stronger than the flame which we blew out.
Now I've built a fire and it lights up the sky...
With a deep devotion that I will never let die.
Your family is there, whether you want it or not...
It just depends on who you've got.
Blood doesn't make us more loyal than a friend...
Nor does it establish who's there in the end.
Let them go if they just never pulled through.
Sometimes you find, you'll always have to.
I never took it straight to the heart...
Just thought of it as two worlds apart.
So it stands today that I feel whole...
Regardless of the past that lives within my soul.Featured Shared StorySuch a beautiful poem. I know that I have parents that argue and fight all the time, but they are still together. I understand that it must be very hard for you to live with your parents like...
-
15. You Could Have Given Up
You could have given up,
but you kept on going.
You could have seen obstacles,
but you called them adventures.
You could have called them weeds,
but instead you called them wildflowers.
You could have died a caterpillar,
but you fought on to be a butterfly.
You could have denied yourself goodness,
but instead you chose to show
yourself self-love. You could have defined
yourself by the dark days, but instead
through them you realised your light.
Featured Shared StoryAnother good one! I enjoyed it very much. And I think most of us can relate; I know I can. Thanks for sharing.
-
16. Climb Every Mountain
We all have a massive mountain to climb,
Especially those who've lost someone dear.
But climb that big mountain, we surely must,
If we are going to overcome fear.
Everyone's got a big mountain to climb,
All those with an incurable illness.
Each step on that rocky, dangerous climb
Gets you nearer to an inner stillness.
Each of us have a big mountain to climb.
It might well be just a family rift,
But you must begin to climb that mountain
Because families are a God given gift.
Everyone's got their own mountain to climb.
It could be something you just can't accept,
But you must sort it out, make it good now,
Or you'll never take that first tiny step.
We all have a great big mountain to climb.
We walk the same path that our fathers trod,
But when you've ascended and reached the top,
Then surely, you will be nearer to your God.Featured Shared StoryNo Stories yet, You can be the first!
-
17. Wake Up, Beautiful
Wake up, beautiful.
Wake up from this tragedy.
Breathe,
Return to reality.
I know you're broken,
Nothing left to break.
Sleep is not the answer.
You need to be alive,
Be awake.
You're not just a shell,
You are not dead inside.
Just wake up, beautiful.
Look at the world,
Be alive.
Ignore the demons
Who try to pull you below.
You can stand strong
Even though you are alone.
Wake up, beautiful.
Be strong,
Pull through.
You are not shattered,
Broken,
Or defeated .
No one can take your place, dear.
Only you can be you.Featured Shared StoryNo Stories yet, You can be the first!
-
18. On Adversity
Adversity brings out the best in you
It often helps to find something new -
A hidden talent or clears a doubt
Or you understand what life's about
Adversity nourishes you to become strong
It helps to reach where you truly belong
Adversity makes you tough and wise
It shows where your strength lies
Adversity is nothing but a stepping stone
To a path that seems rugged and unknown
But if you let courage be your guide,
And can take things on your stride,
Don't get dejected and continue to fight.
In the end, you'll see hope and light.Featured Shared StoryThank you for commenting on my poem. Stay blessed.
-
19. Time To Stop Struggling
Life is unfair; sometimes the misery we can't bear.
This was a feeling I could never share.
I am strong, strong enough to move on from this pain.
I won't feel the shame; my life is not a game.
Tired of these tears and my fears,
I will cherish my inspirations.
I will find my dream, I promise; that's what I will achieve.
I will find a way to leave.
I'm not who you will deceive.
I believe in miracles; these people laugh like it's hysterical.
I won't fall; I may be lost, but I will be found.
One day I will find the perfect life; life will run beautifully,
I will fly like a butterfly through the night, will have a pleasant sight.
Afraid but I will fight.
No boundaries, free my mind of all the pressure.
Leaving here will be my pleasure.
I want so much to be free; so much I want to see.
I want to reach the sky; I want so badly to fly.
See, I used to be a fool when I let you treat me cruel.
I made a mistake, but I won't let myself break.
Leave me, for God's sake.
So now I kneel down to pray.
For these times of struggle I will just say,
I'll leave in your hands, God. I will let go.
Featured Shared StoryI can also relate to your story when I was 28 years old I suffered from 2 ruptured brain aneurysms. I learned later than it was a miracle of God that I had survived because 99 percent of...
-
20. Stalwart
Vagaries of this life can be
Tough and hard to fathom,
And yet have they conquered me?
Look how far I've come.
As I climb up its hill,
Slopes and jagged edges and all,
There are times I slip but still
At no time did I fall.
As I tread along its way
Sometimes I run into bends,
Stumbling blocks on some days
But never into dead ends.
As I sprint down its lane,
Hurdles seem to abound,
Yet the tripping now and again
Still can't bring me down.
Whims of life that lie in wait
Though I may not have a clue,
Firm is my will, strong is my faith.
My God will see me through.Featured Shared StoryThis is definitely an inspirational poem. Everyone has challenges in life, but how we deal with them is crucial to our own well-being. My favorite stanza was the second!
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement