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The Bitter Or The Sweet
Life at times can be bitter, or it can be sweet. Much of the difference comes from how we choose to look at the circumstances we face each day.
In The Bitter Or The Sweet, John Imrie reminds us that our attitude influences the way we experience life. At home, at work, and in our relationships with others, we can choose kind words over angry ones, smiles over frowns, and encouragement over bitterness.
Like seeing the beauty of a rose rather than focusing only on its thorns, we can choose to notice what is good even when life is not perfect. As you read this poem, may Imrie's words encourage you to keep a positive attitude and bring a little more kindness and cheer to those around you.
Updated September 23, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
The Bitter Or The Sweet
Poet: John Imrie
The bitter or the sweet of life
Is often ours to choose,
Sweet love is antidote to strife —
The bitter, then, refuse.
Let not the angry word be said,
At home, at work, or play;
Like waters pure from fountain-head
Let smiles cheer up thy way.
Let Mara's bitter waters flow
Alone on deserts wild;
On life's highway, whereon we go,
Let looks and words be mild.
Let wreaths of smiles chase every frown
From God's own image fair;
Then friendship's loving hands shall crown
Thy head with blessings rare.
Now, all along life's rugged way
Let flowers displace the thorn,
And grief and care shall flee away
From hearts that erst were torn!
Key Reflections In This Poem
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Our Attitude Is A Choice
How we respond to life's circumstances can influence whether our days feel bitter or sweet. Choosing a positive outlook can help us face difficulties with greater hope.
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Choose Kind Words
Imrie reminds us that angry words can create unnecessary strife. Speaking with kindness can bring peace into our homes, workplaces, and relationships.
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A Smile Can Make A Difference
A simple smile can brighten both our own day and someone else's. Small expressions of warmth can make life's journey more pleasant.
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Look For The Flowers, Not The Thorns
Every life has difficulties, but they do not have to receive all our attention. We can also notice the blessings, beauty, and goodness that surround us.
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Kindness Strengthens Friendship
Gentle words and a caring attitude help friendships grow. The kindness we offer others often returns to us in unexpected ways.
Popular Pages
If you enjoyed The Bitter Or The Sweet, these popular pages offer more poems and thoughts about life, attitude, choices, and finding encouragement along the way.
Find timeless wisdom and encouragement in these Famous Poems About Life that reflect on the experiences and choices we all face.
Discover the writers behind many well-loved verses on our Famous Poets page.
Be reminded of the importance of the decisions we make each day with these thoughts and poems about Life Choices.
Reflect on the people, stops, and experiences that shape our journey in the Train Of Life Poem.
Read an encouraging Attitude Poem about the difference our outlook can make in the way we approach life.
Find encouraging Attitude Quotes that remind us we may not control everything that happens, but we can choose how we respond.
Read the timeless Desiderata Poem for thoughtful guidance on living peacefully, wisely, and with appreciation for life.
Conclusion
The Bitter Or The Sweet reminds us that while we cannot choose everything that happens in life, we can choose the attitude we bring to each day. Kind words, a smile, and a willingness to look for the good can make life's difficult moments a little easier to bear.
John Imrie's message is a simple one worth remembering: instead of allowing bitterness to take hold, look for opportunities to offer kindness and encouragement. Along life's rugged way, may we notice the flowers as well as the thorns and do what we can to make the journey brighter for ourselves and others.
More John Imrie Poems to Encourage