Poetry & Analysis
Selected Attitude Poems
Inspirational PoemsThe Noble Nature
It is not growing like a tree
In bulk, doth make man better be;
Or standing long an oak, three hundred year,
To fall a log at last, dry, bald, and sere:
A lily of a day
Is fairer far in May,
Although it fall and die that night—
It was the plant and flower of Light.
In small proportions we just beauties see;
And in short measures life may perfect be.
Overview Short Summary
This short attitude poem teaches that worth is not measured by size, length, status, or display. A brief life or small presence can still be beautiful, complete, and noble.
Core Ideas Main Themes
- Self-worth: Value is not based on outward greatness.
- Quality over quantity: A short life can still be meaningful.
- Quiet confidence: The poem supports a humble but strong attitude.
Success is counted sweetest
Success is counted sweetest
By those who ne’er succeed.
To comprehend a nectar
Requires sorest need.
Not one of all the purple Host
Who took the Flag today
Can tell the definition
So clear of victory
As he defeated—dying—
On whose forbidden ear
The distant strains of triumph
Burst agonized and clear!
Overview Short Summary
Dickinson’s poem suggests that people who lack success may understand its value more deeply than those who easily win. It gives a thoughtful angle to attitude poems about success and desire.
Core Ideas Main Themes
- Success: Victory is most intensely understood by those who miss it.
- Perspective: Defeat can sharpen understanding.
- Longing: The poem turns ambition into emotional insight.
Emotional Effect Tone and Mood
The tone is compressed and ironic. The mood is serious, painful, and reflective.
"Hope" is the thing with feathers—
“Hope” is the thing with feathers—
That perches in the soul—
And sings the tune without the words—
And never stops—at all—
And sweetest—in the Gale—is heard—
And sore must be the storm—
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm—
I’ve heard it in the chillest land—
And on the strangest Sea—
Yet, never, in Extremity,
It asked a crumb—of Me.
Overview Short Summary
This positive attitude poem presents hope as a small bird that continues singing inside the soul, even during storms. It is short, memorable, and useful for readers looking for attitude poems about inner strength.
Core Ideas Main Themes
- Hope: Hope survives without asking for payment.
- Resilience: The bird sings most clearly during hardship.
- Inner life: The poem makes attitude something quiet and spiritual.
Craft Literary Devices
- Metaphor: Hope is compared to a bird.
- Imagery: Storm, gale, land, and sea create a world of difficulty.
Life
Life, believe, is not a dream
So dark as sages say;
Oft a little morning rain
Foretells a pleasant day.
Sometimes there are clouds of gloom,
But these are transient all;
If the shower will make the roses bloom,
O why lament its fall?
Rapidly, merrily,
Life’s sunny hours flit by,
Gratefully, cheerily,
Enjoy them as they fly!
What though Death at times steps in
And calls our Best away?
What though sorrow seems to win,
O’er hope, a heavy sway?
Yet hope again elastic springs,
Unconquered, though she fell;
Still buoyant are her golden wings,
Still strong to bear us well.
Manfully, fearlessly,
The day of trial bear,
For gloriously, victoriously,
Can courage quell despair!
Overview Short Summary
Brontë’s poem encourages a hopeful and brave attitude toward life. It does not deny sorrow, but it insists that hope and courage can rise again.
Core Ideas Main Themes
- Positive attitude: The poem turns rain and sorrow into signs of renewal.
- Courage: Trials should be faced bravely.
- Hope: Hope returns even after falling.
Emotional Effect Tone and Mood
The tone is reassuring and brave. The mood is hopeful, making it one of the clearest attitude poems about life.
Say Not the Struggle Naught Availeth
Say not the struggle naught availeth,
The labour and the wounds are vain,
The enemy faints not, nor faileth,
And as things have been they remain.
If hopes were dupes, fears may be liars;
It may be, in yon smoke concealed,
Your comrades chase e’en now the fliers,
And, but for you, possess the field.
For while the tired waves, vainly breaking,
Seem here no painful inch to gain,
Far back, through creeks and inlets making,
Comes silent, flooding in, the main.
And not by eastern windows only,
When daylight comes, comes in the light;
In front the sun climbs slow, how slowly,
But westward, look, the land is bright.
Overview Short Summary
This poem tells the reader not to assume that effort has failed just because progress is hard to see. It works well for attitude poems about never giving up and staying determined.
Core Ideas Main Themes
- Perseverance: Struggle may be useful even when results are hidden.
- Hope: Fear can be as false as disappointed hope.
- Patience: Progress may arrive slowly and indirectly.
Literary Technique Imagery and Personification
The poem uses battle, sea, and sunrise imagery to show that change can be happening even when the reader cannot see it yet.
Continue Reading
Related Poems & Articles
More selected reading from Inspirational Poems.
