Popular Poem Categories:
Occasion & Holiday Poems:
If I Can
Sometimes the best prayer is simply asking God to help us do the good that is before us. In If I Can, William Arthur Ward reflects on the many ways we can make a difference by encouraging others, offering a helping hand, sharing hope, and showing that we care.
Along with the opening prayer, these short verses from Ward offer wisdom about faith, kindness, gratitude, optimism, achievement, and the way we treat others. His words remind us that even simple actions can have a positive influence when they are guided by love and a desire to do our best.
Updated October 6, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
If I Can
Poet: William Arthur Ward
If I can write one verse of truth today
Or give my fellow man a song to sing;
If I can push one needless cloud away
And help men live as children of the King:
If I can lend someone a helping hand
Or warm a place where friendship needs to be;
If I can build a bridge where fences stand
And light a lamp that other men might see;
If I can open doors of hope this day
By letting someone know that others care;
If I can speak in words that seem to say:
I know the heavy burdens that you bear.
If I can guide a pilgrim on his way
Or pause to bid him stay for food and rest;
If I can do these, Father, this I pray:
"O let me do them with my very best."
An Injustice
Poet: William Arthur Ward
Looking through the wrong end of a telescope
Is an injustice to the astronomer,
To the telescope,
And to the stars;
Likewise, looking at our neighbor’s faults
Instead of their attributes
Gives us an incorrect conception of
Ourselves, our neighbor, and our God.
Heaven On Earth
Poet: William Arthur Ward
In his love for us,
God created heaven and earth;
With His love in our hearts,
We can create
Heaven on earth.
Walk With Love
Poet: William Arthur Ward
Ours is not to understand God,
But to obey Him;
Not to sit in judgment of His children,
but to walk with them in love.
Steps to Achievement
Poet: William Arthur Ward
Four steps to achievement:
Plan purposefully.
Prepare prayerfully.
Proceed positively.
Pursue persistently.
Gratitude
Poet: William Arthur Ward
Gratitude can transform
common days into Thanksgiving,
Turn routine joys into joy,
And change ordinary opportunities
Into blessings.
Opportunity
Poet: William Arthur Ward
Doors of opportunity are
Open to the optimist.
Gates of achievement
Swing wide for the person
Who sees infinite possibilities
In the insignificant
Prayer Is
Poet: William Arthur Ward
Prayer is the prelude to peace,
The prologue to power,
The preface to purpose,
And the pathway to perfection
Deep Optimism
Poet: William Arthur Ward
Deep optimism is aware of problems
But recognizes the solutions;
Knows about difficulties
But believes they can be overcome;
Sees the negative,
But accentuates the positive;
Is exposed to the worst,
But expects the best;
Has reason to complain,
But prefers to smile.
Trails You Leave
Poet: William Arthur Ward
Every person has the power to make others happy.
Some do it simply by entering a room
others by leaving the room.
Some individuals leave trails of gloom;
others, trails of joy.
Some leave trails of hate and bitterness;
others, trails of love and harmony.
Some leave trails of cynicism and pessimism;
others trails of faith and optimism.
Some leave trails of criticism and resignation;
others trails of gratitude and hope.
What kind of trails do you leave?
Key Reflections In These Poems
-
Look For Ways To Help Others
Ward reminds us that making a difference does not always require something great. A helping hand, an encouraging word, or simply showing someone we care can bring hope when it is needed most.
-
See The Good In People
It can be easy to notice another person's faults before recognizing their good qualities. Looking for the best in others helps us respond with greater understanding, patience, and kindness.
-
Let Faith Guide Your Actions
Faith is reflected not only in what we believe but also in the way we live. Prayer, love, obedience, and concern for others can guide us in the choices we make each day.
-
Choose Gratitude And Optimism
Gratitude can change the way we see ordinary days and everyday opportunities. Optimism does not ignore difficulties but helps us believe that problems can be faced and overcome.
-
Consider The Trail You Leave
Our words, attitudes, and actions affect the people around us. Ward encourages us to leave behind trails of love, harmony, gratitude, faith, and hope.
Popular Pages
Discover more poems, prayers, and encouraging words about faith, kindness, hope, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Find faith and encouragement in these Christian Poems Of Hope that remind us to trust God and hold on to hope through life's challenges.
Begin the week with a Monday Prayer offering words of faith, encouragement, and guidance for the days ahead.
Let these Make A Difference Quotes remind you that even small acts of kindness can have a meaningful impact on another person's life.
Conclusion
William Arthur Ward's words remind us that a meaningful life is often built through the simple choices we make each day. We can offer encouragement instead of criticism, lend a helping hand, be grateful for our blessings, and choose hope when difficulties arise.
The prayer in If I Can brings these thoughts together with a simple request: if there is good we can do, may we do it with our very best. We may never know how much a caring word or thoughtful action means to someone, but each of us has opportunities to leave a trail of kindness, faith, and hope behind us.
More Famous Poems to Motivate and Inspire