Expect The Worst And Hope For The Best

An uplifting poem that gently reminds us to stay hopeful while facing life as it truly is.

Blight not the hope, nor undue misgivings borrow, Nor less hope for the best, but be prepared for the worse.

Updated January 12, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer

Life does not always unfold the way we expect. There are seasons of joy and moments when worry or disappointment seem close at hand. During those times, hope becomes something we choose to hold onto, even when the road ahead feels uncertain.

In Expect The Worst And Hope For The Best, Lillian E. Curtis offers a thoughtful message that speaks to real life. The poem encourages us to be practical and prepared, while still keeping our hearts open to better days. It teaches that hope and readiness can exist together, helping us face challenges with calm strength.

May these verses encourage you to stay steady, trust that brighter moments can come, and continue hoping for the best even when circumstances feel unsure.

Expect The Worst And Hope For The Best

Poet: Lillian E Curtis

In this world where waves of trouble ever are rolling,
And discouragement is ofttimes a guest,
If, perchance, there's a fond hope with its gentle consoling,
Expect the worst and hope for the best.

There's a full cup of joy, perhaps, that's almost your own,
And may soon in your expectant clasp rest,
Yet many such ones rude winds have blown,
Then expect the worst and hope for the best.

Where life were witness to volumes of incoming sorrow,
And for the faint possibility of a forthcoming joy thirst,
Blight not the hope, nor undue misgivings borrow,
Nor less hope for the best, but be prepared for the worse.

The best needs no precedent its arrival to announce.
Twill be joyfully welcomed as animation will attest,
But Oh, lest its rival swoop down with deft, sudden pounce,
Calmly expect the worst, still hope for the best.

An emergency armor were safe fortified by an alternative plan
For there's many an if in this field of contest,
And much that is promising may prove but a sham,
Then expect the worst and hope for the best.

Key Messages in the poem:

Be Realistic but Keep the Faith
Life doesn’t always go as planned. Things can change in an instant, and not every hope will come to pass. But instead of being discouraged, this poem reminds us to stay grounded—prepare for the tough times, but never stop believing in better days.
Hope is a Source of Strength
Even when troubles come, holding on to hope can lift our spirits. It gives us courage to keep going and helps us face the unknown with a positive mindset. Hope doesn’t erase hardship, but it gives us the strength to rise above it.
Stay Ready for Life’s Twists and Turns
Life is full of “what-ifs” and surprises. By having a backup plan and staying mentally prepared, we can handle disappointments with grace. The poem encourages us not to be caught off guard—but to meet life’s challenges with calmness and quiet confidence.

Popular Pages:

Famous Poems - If you found comfort in, Expect The Worst And Hope For The Best, you'll enjoy these well-loved poems that have stood the test of time with their wisdom and truth.

Hope Quotes - Let these short, powerful quotes lift your spirits and remind you, just like the poem does, that hope is always worth holding onto.

Poems About Life - Life brings both joy and struggle—these poems, like Lillian E. Curtis’s, reflect the real journey we all walk and the hope that helps us through.

Inspirational Poems - Keep your heart encouraged with poems that, like this one, remind us to stay strong, be ready, and never stop hoping.

Never Give Up Poem - If this poem spoke to your heart, you’ll be uplifted by this reminder to persevere no matter what comes your way.

Poems For Teenagers - Teens facing life’s ups and downs will find guidance and encouragement in these poems, much like the message in Lillian E. Curtis’s words.

Discouragement Quotes - When life feels heavy, these quotes—alongside the poem’s message—offer a gentle reminder that hope still shines, even in the dark.

Conclusion

Expect The Worst And Hope For The Best reminds us that life will always include uncertainty, but we do not have to face it without hope. By staying prepared while keeping our hearts open to good possibilities, we learn how to move through challenges with grace and strength.

This poem encourages a balanced outlook. One that accepts reality without fear and embraces hope without hesitation. As you go forward, may its words remind you to stay steady, trust in better days, and continue hoping for the best no matter what comes your way.

More Poems About Hope To Encourage You

Plan for trouble, but keep your heart full of hope.