Overcoming Hard Times Poems

Published: October 2019

Poems About Perseverance And Overcoming Challenges

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

Freedom
- By Haleema
- Published by Family Friend Poems January 31, 2023 with permission of the Author.
This is about the doubts people have about themselves. We underestimate ourselves so much that eventually we begin to feel that we are nothing and have no purpose. We fall into an endless void of fear and pain. I will show you the outcome of breaking your silence and speaking out against your own uncertainties, screaming and shouting out that you are important. Once you have conquered your insecurities, only then will you experience the true tranquility of freedom in your own self.

Poem On Overcoming Your Doubts And Being Free

in Inspirational Poems

One day,
She will break her silence.
She will scream.
She will shout.

One day,
She will break her silence.
She will scream.
She will shout.
She will break down her walls.
She will drown the doubts in her mind,
Shatter the chains that bind her,
Burst through the ropes that pull her down.

One day,
She will sing her song,
Speak her words,
Paint her art.
She will lay in the shade of her trees.
She will sleep in the comfort of her night.
She will dream in the arms of her thoughts.

One day,
She will be free.
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On Adversity
- By Joydip Dutt
- Published by Family Friend Poems September 2021 with permission of the Author.
Adversity is part of our lives. There is no one who has never faced a hardship in life. This poem attempts to show the lessons adversity has to offer.

Poem About Facing Life's Challenges Courageously

in Poems about Life Struggles

Adversity brings out the best in you
It often helps to find something new -

A hidden talent or clears a doubt

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.
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Moving Toward Temporary
- By Sadwick
- Published by Family Friend Poems August 2021 with permission of the Author.
Moving forward is hard. I've lost a meaningful relationship, careers, and even hope. Yet although the struggle of life can try to push me down, I think it's important to remember life is like the seasons. Although there may be a rough winter, spring is always right behind it. Life moves on. You keep moving forward.

Moving Forward In Life

in Life Lesson Poems

Sometimes your best isn't enough
And happiness comes after sorrow
Life isn't always going to be rough
Yet, I can't speak for tomorrow

Sometimes your best isn't enough
And happiness comes after sorrow
Life isn't always going to be rough
Yet, I can't speak for tomorrow

Love doesn't come for free
And hard work is sometimes fatal
Forgiveness isn't always easy
And wars can be mental

We know living can be stressful
And it's hard to see the blessings
In all things, try to be thankful
And try and find a silver lining

When pain is persistent
And the hurt seems too heavy
Remember you are resilient
And this is temporary
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You Could Have Given Up
- By S.C. Lourie
- Published by Family Friend Poems June 2021 with permission of the Author.
in Poems about Life Struggles

You could have given up,
but you kept on going.
You could have seen obstacles,
but you called them adventures.

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.

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Another good one! I enjoyed it very much. And I think most of us can relate; I know I can. Thanks for sharing.

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The Girl
- By Meaghan F Sullivan
- Published by Family Friend Poems March 2021 with permission of the Author.
Even when you go through so much, you can always pick yourself up. This is my story in the form of poetry, a way for me to let go. With this poem, my hope is that others can relate to it and find a place of peace to forgive your past but not forget since it is what makes you stronger.

Poem On Overcoming Hardship And Finding Strength

in Bullying Poems

A letter to that girl
That girl who sat by herself
That girl who doubted herself
That girl who was bullied

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 me
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This 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...

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Your Wounds
- By Lauren Jarvis-Gibson
- Published by Family Friend Poems January 2021 with permission of the Author.
You Are Stronger Than Your Scars

in Short Poems

Time doesn’t heal wounds
to make you forget.

It doesn’t heal wounds to

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.

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Very 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...

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The Will To Win
- By Berton Braley
Famous Poem

When we want something, we must be willing to fight for it. We must put in the necessary work and make sacrifices to achieve our goals. Berton Braley (1882-1966) was an American poet who completed high school in only two years.

in Famous Inspirational Poems

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

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!
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I 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...

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Stronger
- By J. Iron Word
- Published by Family Friend Poems October 2020 with permission of the Author.
Poem about overcoming obstacles

Inspiring Poem On Resilience In The Face Of Adversity

in Short Poems

She never let life
or the weight that
came along with it
weigh her down, it

She never let life
or the weight that
came along with it
weigh her down, it
only made her stronger.

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I think that is what living is all about. We live, we learn, we make changes, and we live on; hopefully, stronger.

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Finding A Will When Wanting To Quit
- By Tyquan L. Norwood
- Published by Family Friend Poems February 2020 with permission of the Author.
Life is so hard, and living it is too. I have been through a lot in my young lifetime. I just want a change for people and the world. We all need to make the world a better place.

in Courage Poems

Times will get rough and sometimes tough,
Where you may say that you have had enough,
Where you may fall and need a lift,
Where the hurt of your pains may leave you stiff.

Times will get rough and sometimes tough,
Where you may say that you have had enough,
Where you may fall and need a lift,
Where the hurt of your pains may leave you stiff.
When all things may seem to go wrong,
Just pick up some faith and carry on,
Because you may never know how close you've come to be,
To reach the throne of victory.
There has been some time that passed,
That many thought they could not last.
But with a mighty blow they've come to see,
That they had made history.
When you may feel that there is nothing that you can do,
Here is something you can refer to.
As some people say, "Where there is a will, there's a way."
With this being said, I feel a brighter day,
One without hurt, one without sorrow,
One with a brighter tomorrow.
So, in the fight, you may get knocked down,
But get back up without a frown,
Because it's when you're hardest hit
That you must say that you will not quit.
So push on harder and hear me when I say,
"Where there's a will, there's a way."
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Inner Strength
- By John P. Read
- Published by Family Friend Poems September 2019 with permission of the Author.
Like a teacher, I believe God sets us many tests in life to prove how strong we really are. We wonder where he is when times are tough, but as we know, a teacher always stays quiet during a test.

The Trials Of Life

in Courage Poems

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 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.
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Hi 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,...

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Climb Every Mountain
- By Eric R. Harvey
- Published by Family Friend Poems February 2019 with permission of the Author.
This poem is about the obstacles we have to overcome following the passing of a loved one or someone who is seriously ill. It is about getting through those terrible times, learning to stand and cope.

Overcoming Obstacles

in Courage Poems

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.

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.
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Stalwart
- By Abimbola T. Alabi
- Published by Family Friend Poems April 2018 with permission of the Author.
We all have our share of struggles in life. I have mine and penned this, thinking over them.

A Note To Life's Struggles

in Inspirational Poems

Vagaries of this life can be
Tough and hard to fathom,
And yet have they conquered me?
Look how far I've come.

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.
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This 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!

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See It Through
- By Edgar A. Guest
Famous Poem

Many of the poems by Edgar Guest (1881-1959) are encouraging and share important life lessons. In this poem, he shares powerful advice about standing strong in the face of trials and dark days. The poetic technique of repetition is used at the end of each stanza with the line, “See it through.” That brings the reader's attention to the themes of courage and perseverance.

in Famous Inspirational Poems

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 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!
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Good Timber
- By Douglas Malloch
Famous Poem

Douglas Malloch (1877-1938), known as the "Lumbermen's Poet," compares good men to good timber in this famous metaphorical poem. The message of this poem is that people, like trees, grow and reach their true potential by overcoming adversity. It is only through struggles, like a tree fighting through forest growth to reach the sun, that we grow and discover our true potential. Malloch lived in Michigan where he grew up amongst logging camps and lumber yards. He wrote his first published poem when he was still a boy; it was published in the Detroit News.

in Famous Inspirational Poems

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,

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.
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Poetry 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...

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Mt. Take Heart
- By Sadwick
- Published by Family Friend Poems October 2016 with permission of the Author.
We have all been through tough times: break-ups, fights, deaths, etc. It hurts too bad or it envelopes the mind... but take heart and hope for better days. Your mountain of inflictions will soon pass.

Life Has Hope Even When We Are Broken

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
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.
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This 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...

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Wake Up, Beautiful
- By Danielle L. Stewart
- Published by Family Friend Poems September 2016 with permission of the Author.
My name is Danielle, and I wrote this after losing my 6th child. Writing helps me cope.

Motivational Poem About Pushing Through

in Inspirational Poems

Wake up, beautiful.
Wake up from this tragedy.
Breathe,
Return to reality.

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.
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Battle Scars
- By Carol M. Chicane
- Published by Family Friend Poems August 2016 with permission of the Author.
Hi, my name is Carol, and I really hope you guys like this poem. It is about my battle scars. I hope it gives the people who have cut or are still cutting inspiration. It has for me.

Poem About Surviving Tough Parts Of Life

in Inspirational Poems by Teens

Be brave.
You already are.
Look at what you've made it through.
The wounds of your past have healed.

Be brave.
You already are.
Look at what you've made it through.
The wounds of your past have healed.
The seemingly endless chapter has ended,
And those bruises have faded.
The battle, you survived,
And you are still here.
Be brave.
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It is a poem which infuses courage to those who have direct experience of war, making them think positively about life, forgetting the bitter past. We also faced a similar situation as a...

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When Your Hero Falls From Grace
- By Cara
- Published by Family Friend Poems January 2014 with permission of the Author.
I wrote this for my girlfriend (age 24) whose father recently left her family for another woman, and he took their savings. He went from being the one who told her she was the reason he got up in the morning to telling her she means nothing. It deeply affected her and turned her world upside down. I wanted her to know that I am here for her.

I Am Here For You Poem

in Poems for Her

Once protected, you felt so safe
Now everything you know means nothing;
I see the fear in your face
What are you to do

Once protected, you felt so safe
Now everything you know means nothing;
I see the fear in your face
What are you to do
When your hero has fallen from grace?

Who will you run to now?
Who will shield you from the storm?
Who will dry your eyes?
When all you feel is hurt?

I know your faith is shaken
Your spirit's grown weary
Nothing is worthwhile when hope is slowly fading

I beg you stop looking towards the skies
Open your heart, and shut your eyes
I promise I will protect you from all the lies;
Let me in, I'll warm the cold
I'll restore the light your hero sold

Now open your eyes and that world disappears
There is nothing, there is no one
But you and I

Do you feel the calm?
Do you hear my heart?
Do you feel the warmth?
Do you believe in my love?

Now open your eyes and that world reappears
But remember baby, your heart I hold so close, so dear.
Now take my hand outreached to you
And know with me you've nothing to worry
There is nothing to fear.
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Your poems changed the way that my soon to be wife and I lived. I made copies and sent them to her. I want to thank your website for helping me.

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Invictus
- By William Ernest Henley
Famous Poem

We are the master of our destiny. We are responsible for our own happiness. This famous inspirational poem charges us to accept responsibility for our lives no matter our circumstances. Invictus in Latin means unconquered.
William Ernest Henley (1849-1903), an English Poet, had one of his legs amputated at the age of 17. The poem, which he wrote while healing from the amputation, is a testimony to his refusal to let his handicap disrupt his life. Indeed, he led a meaningful life as a poet and editor until he passed away at age 53.

in Famous Inspirational Poems

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.

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.
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Once 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...

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Mother To Son
- By Langston Hughes
Famous Poem

Langston Hughes was a prominent writer during the Harlem Renaissance. In this poem, a mother uses the metaphor of life being like a staircase to give advice to her son. While there are difficult times, you must keep moving like you would while walking up a staircase.

in Famous Family Poems

Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,

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.
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I 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...

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Overcoming Hard Times Poems

28 Poems About Perseverance And Overcoming Challenges

Adversity is part of our lives. There is no one who has never faced a hardship in life. This poem attempts to show the lessons adversity has to offer.

Even when you go through so much, you can always pick yourself up. This is my story in the form of poetry, a way for me to let go. With this poem, my hope is that others can relate to it and find a place of peace to forgive your past but not forget since it is what makes you stronger.

When we want something, we must be willing to fight for it. We must put in the necessary work and make sacrifices to achieve our goals. Berton Braley (1882-1966) was an American poet who completed high school in only two years.

Poem about overcoming obstacles

Life is so hard, and living it is too. I have been through a lot in my young lifetime. I just want a change for people and the world. We all need to make the world a better place.

Like a teacher, I believe God sets us many tests in life to prove how strong we really are. We wonder where he is when times are tough, but as we know, a teacher always stays quiet during a test.

This poem is about the obstacles we have to overcome following the passing of a loved one or someone who is seriously ill. It is about getting through those terrible times, learning to stand and cope.

We all have our share of struggles in life. I have mine and penned this, thinking over them.

We have all been through tough times: break-ups, fights, deaths, etc. It hurts too bad or it envelopes the mind... but take heart and hope for better days. Your mountain of inflictions will soon pass.

My name is Danielle, and I wrote this after losing my 6th child. Writing helps me cope.

Hi, my name is Carol, and I really hope you guys like this poem. It is about my battle scars. I hope it gives the people who have cut or are still cutting inspiration. It has for me.

Langston Hughes was a prominent writer during the Harlem Renaissance. In this poem, a mother uses the metaphor of life being like a staircase to give advice to her son. While there are difficult times, you must keep moving like you would while walking up a staircase.