Poems about Keep Going: Finding Strength and Resilience through Poetry

Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, and moments of pure exhilaration as well as deep despair. In these challenging times, when the weight of the world seems heavy on our shoulders, it is crucial to find the inner strength to keep going. Poetry, with its lyrical beauty and profound insights, has the power to inspire, uplift, and remind us of the resilience within. In this article, we explore a collection of heartfelt poems that echo the sentiment of 'keep going' and offer solace and motivation to persevere.

1. The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

One of the most celebrated poems of all time, The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost speaks to the choices we make in life and the significance of forging our own path. Despite uncertainty and fear, the poem encourages us to keep going, embracing the unknown with courage and conviction.

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;

... Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

2. Still I Rise by Maya Angelou

A strong and empowering poem, Still I Rise by Maya Angelou emphasizes the indomitable spirit within. It urges us to rise above the challenges that try to keep us down and move forward with determination and self-belief.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

... Up from a past that's rooted in pain,
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

3. Invictus by William Ernest Henley

William Ernest Henley's powerful poem Invictus has become a beacon of hope for those facing adversity. Its resounding message reinforces the idea that we are the masters of our fate and captains of our souls.

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.

... 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.

4. Don't Quit by Unknown

Don't Quit, often attributed to an anonymous author, has been a source of encouragement for countless individuals in times of struggle. This poem reinforces the importance of endurance, keeping one's head held high, and persisting even when the road ahead seems treacherous.

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh.

... So, stick to the fight when you're hardest hit—
It's when things go wrong that you mustn't quit.

5. The Journey by Mary Oliver

Mary Oliver's enchanting poem, The Journey, serves as a gentle reminder that even amidst uncertainty and transformation, it is crucial to keep going. The poem captures the essence of embracing challenges as an integral part of our personal growth and finding our true selves.

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice...
... One day, you knew what you had to do,
Started,
Though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice—
Though the whole house
began to tremble
And you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"," said my mind,
"," said my life.
"However,"
said my body.

Final Thoughts

These poems about keeping going encapsulate the resilience, determination, and strength that reside within each of us. When life presents challenges, and the urge to give up lingers, poetry can provide solace and encouragement to overcome obstacles and forge ahead. With their powerful messages and vivid imagery, these poems offer a reminder that even in the darkest moments, we have the power to keep going and transform our lives into something extraordinary.