Life Lesson Poems
Poems about Life Lessons
It has been said that life is the most patient teacher. You will be presented with the same experience over and over until you learn the best way to deal with the situation. This is not because life is cruel. Rather, it is because things have a way of coming back to haunt us when we don't deal with them. One form of intelligence is the ability to learn from mistakes. When you are presented with a painful experience, take the time to think about how you can avoid it in the future. This is an example of a lesson learned.
83 Poems about Lessons Learned from Mistakes
-
1. 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.Latest 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...
-
2. Changing The Past
Poem About Letting Go Of The PastThe past is the past for a reason.
That is where it is supposed to stay,
But some cannot let it go.
In their heads it eats away
Until all their focus becomes
The person they used to be,
The mistakes they made in their life.
Oh, if only they could see
That you cannot change what happened,
No matter how hard you try,
No matter how much you think about it,
No matter how much you cry.
What happens in your lifetime
Happens for reasons unknown,
So you have to let the cards unfold.
Let your story be shown.
Don't get wrapped up in the negative.
Be happy with what you have been given.
Live for today not tomorrow.
Get up, get out, and start living,
Because the past is the past for a reason.
It's been, and now it is gone,
So stop trying to think of ways to fix it.
It's done, it's unchangeable; move on.
Latest Shared StoryI really enjoyed this poem. It's so very true. We all have certain regrets or circumstances in life we would give anything to change if we could. Sometimes that is just not possible, and even...
-
3. Be Proud Of Who You Are
I Am UniqueI come with no wrapping or pretty pink bows.
I am who I am, from my head to my toes.
I tend to get loud when speaking my mind.
Even a little crazy some of the time.
I'm not a size 5 and don't care to be.
You can be you and I can be me.
I try to stay strong when pain knocks me down.
And the times that I cry are when no one's around.
To error is human or so that's what they say.
Well, tell me who's perfect anyway.Latest Shared StoryI love this poem! People are always trying to fit in and be normal. I've always disregarded being "normal." What's the point? Why would I be someone I am not? I am perfectly happy the way I...
-
4. Each Moment Is Precious
Living In The Present MomentLive in the moment,
Just take it all in.
Pay attention to everything,
Right there and right then.
Don't let your mind wander
To what's coming next.
Cherish this moment
And give it your best.
Don't let tomorrow
Make you rush through today,
Or too many great moments
Will just go to waste.
And the person you're with,
In that moment you share,
Give them all of your focus;
Be totally there.
Laugh till it hurts,
Let the tears drop.
Fill up each moment
With all that you've got.
Don't miss the details;
The lesson is there.
Don't get complacent;
Stay sharp and aware.
It can take but a moment
To change your life's path.
And once it ticks by,
There is no going back.
In just 60 seconds,
You may make a new friend.
Find your true love,
Or see a life start or end.
You become who you are
In those moments you live.
And the growth's not in taking
But in how much you give.
Life is just moments,
So precious and few.
Whether valued or squandered,
It's all up to you!Latest Shared StoryThat was touching. It really said my whole life. I'm too busy with everything and I'm memorizing this to my heart. I'm busy with school. I take too much time thinking about tomorrow than...
-
5. I Still Matter
Dealing With Growing OldI'M STILL HERE
My looks are nothing special,
My face reveals my age,
My body shows some wear and tear,
And my energy's not the same.
Too often my memory fails me,
And I lose things all the time.
One minute I know what I plan to do,
And the next it may just slip my mind.
I try hard to avoid my mirror.
There are things I would rather not see,
And even those times when I just catch a glimpse,
I can no longer recognize me.
The things I used to do with ease
Can now cause aches and pains,
And the quality of the things I do
Will never be quite the same.
I always compare my older self
To those younger versions of me,
And I know I'm wasting too much time
Missing who I used to be.
But the thing that really makes me sad
Is despite what people see,
Underneath my tattered, worn out shell,
I'm still the same old me.
My heart can still feel endless love,
And at times it still can ache.
My heart can fill with so much joy,
And then it can suddenly break.
My soul can still feel sympathy
And longs for forgiveness and peace,
And there are times its light shines boldly through,
And times when it longs for release.
It's true, maybe now that I'm older,
Feeling lonely may be status quo,
But it also has made me more willing
To forgive and let past conflicts go.
So maybe to some I look ugly and old,
A person who barely exists.
I'm still quite aware of the beauty inside,
And my value should not be dismissed.
So although not as strong and no beauty, it's true,
I'm still here and want so much to live,
And I know that there's no one in this world quite like me,
And no one who has more to give.Latest Shared StoryThis poem really hit home with me. I will be 60 on my next birthday and it seems like years fly by like days. I too look in the mirror and wonder where all the lines and wrinkles have came...
-
6. Forgiveness Is Divine
The Power Of ForgivenessSome people view forgiveness
As a virtue for the weak.
An act of mercy undeserved,
That serves no useful need.
They stand firmly in their judgment
And won't consider a mistake.
They prefer to hold a senseless grudge
Than accept amends when made.
They feel they have some godly right
To reject and criticize.
They're possessed by righteous anger,
And consumed by pointless pride.
They're focused on how they've been wronged,
And won't be made the fool again.
So they feel they must avenge themselves
By refusing to give in.
They will sacrifice their family,
Or forsake a long-time friend.
Do anything they have to do
To be the winner in the end.
Or perhaps it's that they can't resolve
The depth of all their hurt,
Caused when someone they've trusted,
Left them questioning their worth.
But no matter why the struggle,
Out of pride or out of fear,
Not being able to forgive
Can cause the loss of ones most dear.
Yes, forgiveness is a virtue,
They even say it is divine.
But more than that it sets you free
From what weighs you down inside.
The best way to approach this life
Is to ask forgiveness and to forgive.
There's a balance to this crazy world,
So live and just let live.Latest Shared StoryHi Pat,
I was so pleased to wake this morning and find one of your poems. Everything you write comes from your heart. I have commented to you before of how I enjoy your poems and I feel... -
7. Keep On Smiling
If at times you feel you want to cry
And life seems such a trial,
Above the clouds there's a bright blue sky,
So make your tears a smile.
As you travel on life's way
With its many ups and downs,
Remember it's quite true to say
One smile is worth a dozen frowns.
Among the world's expensive things,
A smile is very cheap.
And when you give a smile away,
You get one back to keep.
Happiness comes at times to all,
But sadness comes unbidden,
And sometimes a few tears must fall
Among the laughter hidden.
So when friends have sadness on their face
And troubles round them piled,
The world will seem a better place
And all because you smiled.
Latest Shared StorySo I moved and I really wanted good friends. I had this one friend who was always happy and could light up a room by walking in. He was always smiling and this poem reminded me of him. Thank you.
-
8. A Snowflake Falls
Importance Of Staying Connected With Family And FriendsOne night I saw a snowflake fall.
Past memories it did recall.
And as the snow fell to the ground,
So quietly without a sound,
I watched until a blanket made,
To glistening white - brown earth did fade.
An untouched cover until the dawn.
The sun arose; it was soon gone.
I thought of friendships in the past.
Seemed perfect though they did not last.
And family ties once meant so much,
Now rarely do we keep in touch.
So quickly life can take a turn,
Yet slowly we do seem to learn.
So many things in life can change
And suddenly be rearranged.
In our slumber while we do sleep,
For granted blessings thought to keep,
For same as night does turn to morn,
An untouched blanket can get torn,
The things that we have overlooked,
Ignored, rejected or mistook,
As melted snow does turn to slush,
Relationships can turn to dust.
So this year for the holiday,
Praise God for blessings given today.
Don't take for granted they'll remain,
That life forever will be the same.
Let's be the most that we can be,
For all our friends and family.
Unlike the snowflake on the ground,
Let's keep in touch and stay around.Latest Shared StorySuperb, poetry as its best.
We should count our blessings one by one,
Every night and day, lest they be gone.
Friends and family, hold onto them tight,
For they may disappear in a... -
9. If You Must Go
Poem With Words Of AdviceIf you must go, then go for a while
Remember that first step is a hard traveled mile.
To learn what lessons life has in store,
You must be willing to open each door.
Don't be afraid to experience something new
For each experience will be a benefit to you.
Never live your life in the past
Enjoy every day as if it were your last
Mistakes you will make along the way
Learn from them, and you'll be okay
Set your goals high and strive for them
As long as you try, you'll never be condemned
Be kind and respect the people you meet
For they may be the ones to make life complete
Be sincere in everything you do
And treat others as you wish they would you
Whatever you do, make sure you're content
For the last thing you want is something to resent
So if you must go, then go for a while
And when you return, return with a smile.
Latest Shared StoryI, too, was motivated by your poem. Like Arimoon, I also allow my past to hold me back. I am so hard on myself for my past mistakes, regret, bad decisions, etc... but with each new day that...
-
10. As You Go Through Life
Don't look for the flaws as you go through life;
And even when you find them,
It is wise and kind to be somewhat blind
And look for the virtue behind them.
For the cloudiest night has a hint of light
Somewhere in its shadows hiding;
It is better by far to hunt for a star,
Than the spots on the sun abiding.
The current of life runs ever away
To the bosom of God's great ocean.
Don't set your force 'gainst the river's course
And think to alter its motion.
Don't waste a curse on the universe--
Remember it lived before you.
Don't butt at the storm with your puny form,
But bend and let it go o'er you.
The world will never adjust itself
To suit your whims to the letter.
Some things must go wrong your whole life long,
And the sooner you know it the better.
It is folly to fight with the Infinite,
And go under at last in the wrestle;
The wiser man shapes into God's plan
As water shapes into a vessel.Latest Shared StorySometimes life goes up and down between hills and rivers, but with even the least courage and a sign of faith in the turn we make at the sharp curve, it all levels up to positivity no matter...
-
11. Family Circle
Cycle Of Life PoemWhen I am born, you are here
In your eye, I see a tear
Time flies and already I'm two
"Look, Daddy, I can tie my shoe!"
Before you know it, I'm five
Every day, you thank God I'm alive
Pretty soon, I turn eight
You tell me I'm never allowed to date
I'm already twelve in my preteen years
Which means you'll help me with all my new fears
Now fourteen with my permit to drive
Waiting to hit the big one-five
Too early comes sixteen, with my license now
It went by too fast, you just ask how
You want to meet my boyfriend when I'm eighteen
I pray to God that you're not too mean
The same guy two years later asks for my hand
I'm relieved when you say, that's just grand
About a year later, you walk me down the aisle
Through all the tears, you bare a smile
Three years later, you're gonna be a grandfather
You show love and pride for your new granddaughter
Another year down the road
Mom dies, oh the many tears that flowed
You're not doing so well without her
Less than a year later, you forgot all about her
Alzheimer's sets in and it scares me so
Not long after, you decide to go
Now I'm regretting not saying goodbye
Every time I think about it, I start to cry
The cycle has begun again
It has started over with little Megan
The other day, she turned two
And said, "Look, daddy, I can tie my shoe!"Latest Shared StoryWow! Words cannot describe the quality of this poem. It is touching and another thing is that it co-relates with life's reality. Thanks a lot and thumbs up for the great job!
-
12. Love After Love
The time will come
when, with elation,
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror,
and each will smile at the other's welcome,
And say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was yourself.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you
all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,
the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.Latest Shared StoryMy husband died 10 years ago. He was the love of my life, my soul-mate, my best friend. I have not known how to 'adjust' to him being gone until I read this poem, "Love After Love." Everyone...
-
13. A Poison Tree
I was angry with my friend:
I told my wrath, my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe:
I told it not, my wrath did grow.
And I waterd it in fears
Night & morning with my tears;
And I sunned it with smiles,
And with soft deceitful wiles.
And it grew both day and night,
Till it bore an apple bright.
And my foe beheld it shine,
And he knew that it was mine,
And into my garden stole,
When the night had veiled the pole;
In the morning glad I see
My foe outstretchd beneath the tree.Latest Shared StoryA Poison Tree is a short and deceptively simple poem about repressing anger and the consequences of doing so. The speaker tells of how they fail to communicate their wrath to their foe and...
-
14. True Joy
I'll be happy once I've done this certain thing.
We all say this often, not realizing what it brings.
We look only to the future for our happiness,
Letting life slip through our fingers in its fullness.
Will we really feel complete when the task is done
or look back and see how we missed so much fun?
Self consumed so we can't see anything else,
hurting those we love as well as ourselves.
So many things around us to be grateful for.
When seeking for an answer, willingly open the door.
So often, others see what's in front of our face,
but we're too blind to look as we're snared in the race.
What is this life supposed to be about?
Is it money, fortune, fame, or a big house?
When speaking to a man on his dying bed,
none of these answers are what he said.
Family, love, laughter are what we should seek.
These are the precious things that keep life from being bleak. Latest Shared StoryWell thought out expression of a very deep yet communal event given voice in an authentic poetry format. Deeply set me thinking about my father's recent death. It's an experience that bind...
-
15. As Time Passes
Poem On Time Going By So FastAs the seconds pass,
We look back
At what our lives have held.
As the minutes pass,
We see what fell through the cracks.
Parts of our lives we withheld.
As the hours pass,
We think of what we learned,
What we have taught,
What we have forgot.
As the days pass,
We wish a lot could be returned.
We wish we would have never fought
You hope they forget me not.
As years pass,
You stand alone.
They have all grown,
Married and gone
Or on their own.
As your life passes,
You stand proud,
Looking how well they raise their own.
You did well.
Live on...Latest Shared StoryThe poem really hit home with me. I decided to use this for a compare and contrast essay for my literature class.
-
16. Perceptions
Jumping To Conclusions About PeopleFirst impressions can be strong
About those we see around.
Yet how often are they wrong?
That is the truth I've found.
Not all who cry are weak.
Not everyone who looks can see.
Not all who are quiet are meek.
Not all who nod agree.
Not all who snarl are cruel.
Not everyone generous is just.
Not everyone clumsy is a fool.
Not all who wander are lost.
We never know people's character.
In just a single instance.
We never know who people are
By judging from a distance.
But whether we like it or not,
We'll always be around people.
Is it better to know a few people a lot
Or a lot of people a little?
I'd rather know a few people a lot
Than a lot of people a little.Latest Shared StoryWhat a wonderful piece of writing. I love it! I agree with it. In my early 20's I worked in a convenience store, and I had a game I played where I would judge whether the customer would be...
-
17. Greed
Poem About Greed And MoneyWhen we were born with no possession.
The love received was our concession.
No worries, no fears, no troubles, no fuss.
In mother's arms we put our trust.
But as we grew, we looked and craved,
and all too soon became enslaved.
The more we saw, the more we wanted.
Our quest for more became undaunted.
Our thirst for more could not be quenched.
The more we grasped, the tighter we clenched.
We scampered and gathered and gathered to hoard.
Possessions became our master and lord.
And when we're old with our treasures all heaped,
a sad example of what greed has reaped.
Our fists still clenched in a grasping motion,
till at our death, when our hands are opened.Latest Shared StoryWow, this poem reminds me of one of my uncles who was all about his accomplishments. He chased after money till he couldn't. Lying on his hospital bed breathing his last, he realized life...
-
18. Secrets Under Trees
Focusing On The GoodTiny little secrets
Get buried in the dirt,
And if they were dug up,
Someone would probably get hurt,
So leave them safely there,
To rot amongst the leaves,
Admiring instead,
The truth in summer's green trees.Latest Shared StoryI don’t know if that’s true, because sometimes it's better to hide the hurtful secrets because the world these days will probably laugh at you then do nothing for a few days then decide...
-
19. We Are All Human
Trying To Understand Each OtherI've lived quite a while and learned quite a bit
About life and this world where we live.
I've found that it's filled with both good and the bad.
Some who take, while some others will give.
There's a balance to life in the way it unfolds.
That's a truth that we all come to know.
They'll be times we endure some unbearable days
And sleepless nights filled with anger and woe.
Then come those moments of utter contentment,
When it all seems to fall into place,
When all that you are seems so right with the world,
You feel all of your pain's been erased.
We spend so much time on a quest for ourselves,
Searching for that internal peace.
And on each of our paths we may misstep and fall,
But our need for the answers won't cease.
We're composed and we're driven by our hearts and souls.
Our beliefs grow from what we've been taught.
Our dreams are all nurtured by the things that we see,
And our morals from the fights we have fought.
We all look so different; we all have our ways,
And at times we just can't understand
That inside we're no different, our humanities the same,
And we all do the best that we can.
Feelings of sadness, grief, joy, and pain,
Feeling lonely and empty and scared.
We each have these feelings, no matter our lives,
And we all yearn for someone to care.
It's that not understanding each other
Fosters the feelings of hate,
So we must take the time to learn all that we can,
While forgiving each other's mistakes.
Yes, I've learned quite a lot in my 63 years,
And to look well beyond what I see
To embrace and respect everyone as they are,
And hope that they'll do that for me.
The world won't stop spinning, and the sun will still rise.
There will always be conflict and strife,
But accepting we're all only human
Will make this a much better life. -
20. Lessons For Living
Teaching Our ChildrenI see you looking at your children,
Wondering what their lives will be.
If you verify some answers
Then their future you might see.
Have you taught them to be truthful?
Have you taught them to be kind?
Have you given them the wisdom
Needed to be color blind?
Have you taught them to be caring
For those handicapped some way?
Do you read to them at bedtime?
Have you taught them how to pray?
Have you taken time to tell them
What a miracle life is?
How to be aware of nature,
Share the beauty that it gives?
Have you taught them how important
It is to have respect for one another?
To be grateful, not be prideful
When good fortune you discover?
Do you let them know you love them
In a way that leaves no doubt,
So they know that is one thing
That they will never be without?
We like to think we've done our best.
Sometimes that's very true.
Can you say 'yes' to all my questions?
I will leave that up to you.
I hope your answer is affirmative,
For then I know that you will see
A future filled with happiness
Like it's supposed to be.Latest Shared StoryI loved this poem. The list of things that should be given to our children to have an amazing journey through this life, it's all here! This poem contains so much wisdom! Beautifully written....
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Teen Lesson Poems
Famous Inspirational Poems
Faith Poems
Meaningful Poems
Inspirational Poems
Inspiring Poems for Kids