In this beautiful and powerful poem, Maya Angelou, teaches us that we are all people, and so much more alike than different. Imagine the change we would see in the world if we all lived this simple truth! The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. This enigmatic poem uses the metaphor of an early morning horse-ride to explore numerous shifting notions of identity.

When I feel like giving up, these inspirational poems give me courage I need. That’s why I believe that nothing can break you once you read these short inspirational poems: The didactic tone of “Desiderata” stems from the fact that it is a poem Max Ehrmann wrote to his daughter as a manifesto to living a happy life. In Latin, desiderata means ‘things that are desired’. The poet lays out the ground rules he believes one must live by to have an authentic, virtuous life. The protective nature of Ehrmann’s advice to his daughter has resonated with millions, resulting in the poem being regarded as a manual to a life well-lived. 15. "Leisure", by W. H. Davies On reading “A Psalm of Life” , you might just feel an instant urge to live your best life. The poem rejects the idea that life can be broken down into meaningless, emotionless metrics. It advocates that life is neither made to suffer through, nor is it made to solely enjoy. While both these emotions are a part of the journey, the purpose of life is ‘to act’, improve oneself, and make each day better than the previous one. 13. "Do not go gentle into that good night", by Dylan Thomas The spirited “Life is Fine” highlights the theme of perseverance. Structurally similar to a blues song, it tells the story of a man who often considers suicide but never goes through with it. Towards the end of the poem, after several close encounters with death, the man realizes that he has something to live for. The honest, vulnerable tone of the poem resonates with many, encouraging us to keep going — even when we feel like giving up. 32. "Futility", by Wilfred Owen Mae’r llyfr hwn, â’i ddarluniau hyfryd, lliwgar, yn cynnwys cerddi am fod â phwrpas, cadw persbectif, rhannu’ch teimladau, bod yn gydnerth ac uchelgeisiol, cadw’ch pwyll a’ch cywreinrwydd (a llawer iawn mwy) ac mae’n sicr o godi’ch calon yn ogystal â bod yn gyflwyniad gwych i farddoniaeth ar gyfer y rheini nad ydyn nhw’n darllen llawer ohoni.Invictus’ was partly inspired by Henley’s (pictured right) own struggles as an invalid (he lost a leg when young) and his determination to remain ‘bloody but unbowed’. Dyma lyfr hawdd i’w ddarllen sy’n wych ar gyfer dod o hyd i ddyfyniadau ysgogol ac efallai cerdd ddyddiol i’n cadw ni’n sad. Hyfryd!

Daniel Thompson may be a new name to many, but fans of Joseph Coelho will enjoy his happy rhymes and perceptive thoughts about life. Here, Larkin reconnects with his childhood self as spring comes into view again, and he feels mysteriously happy. 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.

21. "Each Life Converges to some Centre", by Emily Dickinson 

These are poems that are simply perfect to share – a parent could read them to a child, a teacher to a class or a child could read them aloud to themselves. It is a book to be read every day to shore up positivity or one to dip into on a down day to give a child a lift. There is no doubt that these inspirational poems will change your perspective and encourage meaningful change in your life. Here are most motivational poems: And I simply love Julia Murrays’ s gorgeous illustrations which fill this book with colour and bring Daniel’s imaginative words to life. Poetry is a method of expression that uses specific words, their meaning or interpretation and rhythm to deliver exciting and imaginative ideas as well as evoke emotional actions and reactions. Inspirational poetry has the potential to provide you with insightful advice as well as encourage you, strengthen your resolve, motivate you to succeed, and even give you direction and clarity when your hope is shaken. There are oceans of poetry in different forms, length, from different time periods and written from varying perspectives. Kids always responded well to the easy song like pattern of rhyming couplets and this lovely book of poetry uses that to fully engage their attention whilst delivering important messages in an easy to read (and listen to) format.

Read in this way, ‘Ariel’ can be understood as a powerful, if ambiguous, declaration of self-expression and freedom, albeit freedom desired rather than fully possessed. Nevertheless, the final image of Plath riding into the red dawn of the sunrise is inspirational in the extreme. The poem introduced a couple of famous phrases into the language: ‘bloody, but unbowed’, and the final two lines: ‘I am the master of my fate: / I am the captain of my soul.’ Sexton’s “The Room of my Life” describes household objects in unconventional ways. The poet strikingly describes ashtrays, typewriters, etc for purposes that are out of their ordinary use — an ashtray being used to catch tears, etc. These objects highlight Sexton's pain and despair, showing life from a different perspective. 27. "A Question", by Robert Frost In the first two stanzas of “A Quoi Bon Dire”, poet Charlotte Mew introduces a curious protagonist — one who does not despair at the loss of a soulmate; who doesn’t fret at the passing of the years. For indeed, the question of a quoi bon dire (or, ‘what’s the point?’) is answered in the closing lines that you see above — a sentiment that the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas would echo many decades later: “Though lovers be lost love shall not; And death shall have no dominion.” 39. "My Heart Leaps Up", by William Wordsworth

38. "A Quoi Bon Dire", by Charlotte Mew

Edgar Guest (1881-1959) was a prolific American poet – publishing a poem every day in the Detroit Free Press for 30 years. Known as the People’s Poet, Edgar Guest wrote easy-to-read poems about many relatable topics. He wrote encouraging life messages about topics such as family and work. This particular poem encourages readers not to give up when they are faced with challenges. Even when things are not going well, keep pushing on. You never know how close you are to success and making it to the other side. In this poem, Douglas Malloch (1877-1938) shares an encouraging message for readers of all ages. Although we don't all hold prestigious jobs, we can all be the best at who we are. Our position in life doesn't make us more or less valuable. The beauty of this world is shown when each person does what he has been called to do and does it with great pride. When we measure our success by the standards of this world, many of us will feel as though we've fallen short. Douglas Malloch reminds us that success is measured by being the best at whoever you are. Like many, he came from humble roots, but he used his gift of writing to touch the lives of many people.