Don't Quit - An Inspiring Poem

The poem, "Don't Quit" is universally loved and is a source of inspiration for many generations. We love the poem for its simplicity and its ability to appeal to all ages and many situations in life. We've heard that this poem is pasted on bathroom mirrors, sung in sermons, framed in offices and, recited in kindergarten. without further ado, here is the poem in question:

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all uphill, When funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Often the goal is nearer than It seems to a faint and faltering man; Often the struggler has given up When he might have captured the victor's cup, And he learned too late, when the night slipped down, How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out - The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are - It may be near when it seems afar; So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit - It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit.

As inspiring as this poem is, there is a huge debate on who actually wrote it. Most sources on the internet site are either John Greenleaf Whittier or Edgar A. Guest. However, the efforts of most researchers to find the writer of the poem online end in confusion. Several forums exist with multiple individuals claiming that the poem was written by them. Take this forum, for instance, there are at least 6 people claiming they wrote the poem.

Regardless of who wrote the poem, the message and content of the poem are beautiful. It encapsulates the troubles of so many of us that over the years, it truly resonates with everyone.

We hope you enjoy the poem as much as we do. Do let us know your thoughts about the poem in the comments.