39 Famous Quotes by Famous Poets

Be inspired by these famous quotes by famous poets, which contain wisdom and inspiration from some of the most brilliant literary minds in history. From the depths of their hearts and the corners of their imagination, these renowned poets have crafted words that resonate across time, offering us insight, courage, and a profound sense of connection.

We hope these timeless quotes inspire you and remind you of the power words can have to encourage, comfort, and bring new meaning to everyday life. You can also discover more memorable verses and inspiring words in our collection of Famous Poems.

John Kendrick Bangs Quotes

I'll take the glove from off my fist to give free play unto my wrist. And then, as face to face we stand, I'll - offer him my outstretched hand!
John Kendrick Bangs, A Threat

He is indeed in friendless plight who hath no creditor and does not know the joyous task of paying off the score!
John Kendrick Bangs, In Sorry Plight

In moments of success, or efforts vain, that kindly star, unchangeable as truth. Has stood my friend, as in the days of youth.
John Kendrick Bangs, The Friend Unchangeable

John Kendrick Bangs was an American Poet born in New York. May 27, 1862 to January 21, 1922. See our collection of John Kendrick Bangs Poems.

Caleb Davis Bradlee Quotes

Go with us, Lord, help us to go, the path of life, thyself dost know. Keep us right, point out the way, and lead us, step by step, each day.
Caleb Davis Bradlee, Go With Us Lord

And when life's stormy battles all are fought, and to life's end thy children shall be brought, then withdraw the curtain from above, and bless us all by thy forgiving love.
Caleb Davis Bradlee, The Eternal Presence Of God

O come to God to-day, and wait not till the night, whilst never may you want to stray from all things true and right.
Caleb Davis Bradlee, Come To God

Caleb Davis Bradlee was an ordained Pastor, born in Boston, USA. His poetry is like short sermons encouraging us to turn to God. Born on February 24, 1831, he died in 1897. Read more Caleb Davis Bradlee Poems.

Berton Braley Quotes

Whistle, old chap; you just go on and whistle; never you fret about kickers like him; your heart's as light as the down of a thistle; who cares if grumblers are grouchy and grim?
Berton Braley, The Whistler

From land to land, from sea to sea where life is brightest, breeziest, I take the road that seems to me the kindest and the easiest
Berton Braley, The Safety Valve

What has been, has been; yesterday is dead and by it you are neither blessed nor banned, take courage, man, be brave and drive ahead, start where you stand.
Berton Braley, Start Where You Stand

Berton Braley was successful at writing poetry, at the age of 17 he sold his first poem. He was born in 1882 and died in 1966. You can read more Berton Braley poems.

Clara McAlister Brooks Quotes

Thus we waste our lives, and we toil in vain; for our riches will soon decay, and we shall stand with the judgment-train. Oh! what shall we wish that day?
Clara McAlister Brooks, What Shall We Wish?

'Tis so sweet just to trust him and rest. Oh, how sweet it will be when my Savior I shall see, in his presence to dwell evermore!
Clara McAlister Brooks, 'Tis So Sweet

Our Father clothes the lilies, and feeds the ravens, too; take courage, little Christians, He surely cares for you.
Clara McAlister Brooks, He Cares For All

Clara is famous for her hymns and poems written that reflect her Christian faith. Born in Indiana, USA on October 9, 1882, Clara McAlister Brooks wrote many hymns and poems in her lifetime reflecting her strong Christian faith. You can read more of her work, Clara McAlister Brooks Poems.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning Quotes

I think we are too ready with complaint in this fair world of God's.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Cheerful Taught By Reason

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach, when feeling out of sight for the ends of being and ideal grace.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning, How Do I Love Thee?

Speak low to me, my Saviour, low and sweet from out the hallelujahs, sweet and low, lest I should fear and fall, and miss Thee so who art not missed by any that entreat.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Comfort

Elizabeth Barrett Browning was born on March 6, 1806, in the United Kingdom. She had a passion for poetry and her work lives on this day. She died on June 29, 1861. More poems at Elizabeth Barrett Browning Poems.

David V. Bush Quotes

Every ship must meet the gale; every effort, every sail. Must be used if we prevail - keep plodding.
David V. Bush, Keep Plodding

"IF" ranks with "but", "perhaps"' and "can't", to cow the feeble soul; for shame! Forget this o'ward rant; press boldly toward the goal.
David V. Bush, If

The man who has faith that his plans will yet carry despite all adverses and sorrow. Is the man who will win thru thick and thru thin though broke and often must borrow.
David V. Bush, The Man With Faith

David V. Bush was a poet and author whose writings inspired many over the years. Read over 20 of David V. Bush poems.

Alice Cary Quotes

And when a man can live apart from works, on theologic trust, I know the blood about his heart is dry as dust.
Alice Cary, My Creed

My sins, red as scarlet. Wash white as a fleece - come Jesus, my Master, and give me thy peace!
Alice Cary, A Penitent's Plea

Never fear, baby dear, wrong things lose themselves in right; never fear, mother is here, lullaby, lullaby, and good-night.
Alice Cary, Cradle Song

At age 17, Alice Cary had her poems published in newspapers. A US poet born in Ohio on April 26, 1820. Her work is often quoted to this day. More Alice Cary poems.

Phoebe Cary Quotes

O years, gone down into the past; what pleasant memories come to me.
Phoebe Cary, Reconciled

For little children everywhere a joyous season still we make; we bring our precious gifts to them, even for the dear child Jesus' sake.
Phoebe Cary, Christmas

The palace walls I almost see where dwells my Lord and King; O grave! where is thy victory? O death! where is thy sting?
Phoebe Cary, Where Dwells My Lord

Phoebe Cary, an American poet born in Ohio in 1824, spent her childhood on a farm. Despite being mostly self-educated, Phoebe displayed a deep love for language, which is evident in her poetry. She passed away on July 31, 1871. Read our collection of Phoebe Cary Poems.

Daniel C. Colesworthy Quotes

I'll teach thee a lesson: be active and wise; the deeper the valley, the brighter the skies
Daniel C. Colesworthy, A Lesson

When friends forsake, and health decays, and clouds of sorrow gather fast, how sweet to lift the heart in praise to Him who loves us to the last!
Daniel C. Colesworthy, Look Above

Ye all can speak a gentle word, to bless the weak and low; and o'er life's dark and thorny road sweet flowers and sunshine throw.
Daniel C. Colesworthy, A Thought

Daniel C. Colesworthy, a Portland native, spent about four decades in the city. He was born on July 14, 1810, and began his career at the age of fourteen as a printing apprentice at the Christian Mirror. In addition to his poetry, Colesworthy was actively engaged in the book industry for many years. Be encouraged by Daniel C. Colesworthy Poems.

Lillian E. Curtis Quotes

Friendship! ah, it may look from many a smiling eye, when bright life's sunshine and clear the sky.
Lillian E. Curtis, Friendship

If you've still your spotless name; a legacy more priceless far than gold, a legacy whose value is untold.
Lillian E. Curtis, A Legacy

My friend, I wish for you that Joy may prove abundant in her blessings rare. That she may give you happiness and love. Unmixed with toil and care.
Lillian E. Curtis, Parting Lines

Lillian E. Curtis, born in mid-1800s Chicago, is known for her inspirational and encouraging poems. She published two books of her poetry that have continued to inspire people throughout the years. Her work reflects her ability to uplift and motivate through the power of words. Be further encouraged by Lillian E. Curtis Poems.

Emily Dickinson Quotes

I shall know why, when time is over, and I have ceased to wonder why; Christ will explain each separate anguish in the fair schoolroom of the sky.
Emily Dickinson

There is no frigate like a book to take us lands away, nor any coursers like a page of prancing poetry.
Emily Dickinson

One day is there of the series termed Thanksgiving day, celebrated part at table, part in memory.
Emily Dickinson

Many of Emily Dickinson poems were not published until after her passing. Her younger sister, Lavinia, came across her collection after Emily's death. Although Emily's poems have since earned her a place among America's greatest poets, she never knew this during her lifetime. Born in Massachusetts on December 10, 1830, she lived a solitary life, never marrying, and remained reclusive until her death on May 15, 1886.

Mary Mapes Dodge Quotes

If you've any task to do, let me whisper, friend, to you, do it.
Mary Mapes Dodge

Help us, O our Father! Hear our earnest plea — teach thy little children how to live for Thee!
Mary Mapes Dodge

The meanest thing a man can do, is to get his gains from me or you.
Mary Mapes Dodge

Mary Mapes Dodge was a famous American author and poet who primarily wrote for children and young people. She was born in New York City on January 26, 1831, and although she passed away on August 21, 1905, Mary Mapes Dodge poems continue to be appreciated even today.

Paul Laurence Dunbar Quotes

When storms arise and dark’ning skies about me threat’ning lower, to thee, O Lord, I raise mine eyes
Paul Laurence Dunbar

I‘ve a humble little motto that is homely, though it’s true, keep a–pluggin’ away. It’s a thing when I‘ve an object that I always try to do, keep a–pluggin’ away.
Paul Laurence Dunbar

October is the treasurer of the year, and all the months pay bounty to her store
Paul Laurence Dunbar

Paul Laurence Dunbar, an American poet and short story writer, was known for his inspirational and encouraging poems. He penned many of these poems during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Read some of Paul Laurence Dunbar poems.

Conclusion

These famous poets remind us just how much meaning can be expressed through a few carefully chosen words. Their thoughts touch on friendship, faith, courage, love, perseverance, kindness, and many of the experiences we all encounter in life.

Although these poets lived in different times and wrote from different experiences, their words can still encourage us today. May these famous quotes give you something to think about, lift your spirits, and perhaps inspire you to discover more of the poetry behind them.

More Quotes to Inspire