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28 John Imrie Poems
Be encouraged by these uplifting poems by John Imrie, whose thoughtful verses continue to inspire readers with faith, perseverance, kindness, and hope. Born in 1846 in Glasgow, Scotland, John moved to Toronto, Canada in 1871. He worked as a salesman and later as a foreman before forming a partnership with D. L. Graham and established Imrie & Graham.
He wrote many poems and songs over the years. The preface of his book, Songs and Miscellaneous Poems,
"My style is simple, but none the less sincere, and my chief desire is to please, and encourage the toiling masses. That these humble heart-thoughts and aspirations for the present and future welfare of my fellow-countrymen, and humanity at large, may be accepted in the kindly spirit in which they have been composed..."
John died in 1902.
Updated July 6, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
Famous Poems by John Imrie:
Seeking After Knowledge
Poet: John Imrie
Wisdom is the true currency of Heaven,
From fools withheld, but to the prudent given;
In her pursuit let us in earnest be.
If we would prosper, therefore, let us see
That all our energies be so combin'd
As best to cultivate the heart and mind.
This occupation is the best that can
Engage the youth, or occupy the man
In leisure hours, which, be they rightly spent,
Are of great moment, and by Heaven lent
To sweeten toil, and relaxation give
To dull and cank'ring cares, which, while we live,
Must be our lot; our time, then, let us spend
As best becomes us, knowing not our end!
The Believer's Refuge
Poet: John Imrie
'Tis sweet to feel that God is near
In times of trouble or distress, -
To quell the doubt, or calm the fear,
To pardon, comfort, heal and bless.
When all around is dark and drear,
And sorrow shades the brow with care,
How sweet to know that God will hear
The anxious soul's imploring prayer.
How sweet to lean upon that arm,
And in its strength a refuge find;
Secure from every fear or harm.
Which would disturb our peace of mind.
Jesus, thou Refuge ever sure,
Where all is peace, and joy, and rest;
Safe as the rock that doth endure,
Oh! let me lean upon Thy breast.
Then let the world its warfare wage,
And Satan tempt my heart with pride;
Let friends disown, and scoffers rage.
To turn my heart from Thee aside -
They all shall fail! but Thou alone
Shalt be my portion evermore;
I'll cling to Thee - the world disown -
Thy love confess - and Thee adore!
The Golden Rule
Poet: John Imrie
Speak a kind word when you can,
Kind words cost but little,
This is far the better plan,
Human hearts are brittle.
Life is all too short for strife,
Peace and love are golden;
For they serve to lengthen life,
So say sages olden!
Let us lend a helping hand
To each weary brother.
Are we not a pilgrim band
Bound to one another?
Our reward shall greater be
When we get to heaven,
If to duty faithfully
We have daily striven!
Life to us is like a school
Where our good behaviour
Should be as "the Golden Rule "
Taught us by our Saviour -
"Do to others as you would
That they should do to you;"
Then shall we be truly good.
And life's regrets be few!
Friendship
Poet: John Imrie
The friendship of the good and true
Is more to me than gold,
And, while I welcome one that's new,
I'll treasure well the old;
Old friends are like the goodly tree
Whose leafy branches throw
A grateful shelter over me
When adverse winds may blow!
The Star Of Love
Poet: John Imrie
Is Love a star?
Yes, 'tis a star
Of heav'nly magnitude afar;
In darkest night
The purest light,
No baneful doubt should ever mar.
It is a star -
The Polar star -
That guides the sailor on the sea,
Where'er he roam,
To love and home,
Across- the boundless ocean free.
Storms may arise
In life's pure skies,
And gathering clouds bedim our day;
But Love's bright eye.
Like star in sky.
Will seek to guide us on our way!
Love reigns supreme.
An endless theme,
Love rules the world with gentle hand;
As captives, we
Desire to be
Encircl'd with her golden band!
A Birthday Wish
Poet: John Imrie
Birthday greetings now I send,
Full of gladness, love, and joy,
May this year, my loving friend,
Bring thee peace without alloy;
Keep this token as a charm.
Proof of Friendship ever dear,
Fain would I shield thee from harm
All this happy golden year!
The Dead-Beat
Poet: John Imrie
Let's beware of "the man" who scorns to work,
Yet dare not refrain from eating!
In the core of his heart doth meanness lurk,
In spite of his bland, fair greeting!
He may talk and look like "a gentleman,"
And dress in the height of fashion;
He'll "run on credit " wherever he can,
If "dunn'd " - gets into a passion!
He will oft-times talk of religion, too.
And pray with seeming devotion;
He may go to church, yet pay for a pew -
Of that he ne'er had a notion!
He carries his head like an English lord.
Though he sometimes tastes of hunger!
He will eat at the widow's frugal board.
And "skip" when she "trusts" no longer!
His heart is devoid of affection dear, -
He'd live off his poor old mother!
And will sponge" on his friends both far and near,
Claiming each one for a brother!
Oh! out on the man with a heart of stone.
Who knows not the pleasure of giving;
Who will whimper, and whine, and beg, and groan -
"That the world owes him a living!"
He who "will not work " should not dare to eat
The bread of another's earning;
For rather a thousand times sweep the street,
Thereby independence learning!
The Name Of Jesus
Poet: John Imrie
Sweet name! what cadence in the very sound!
What heavenly music in the utterance found,
When whispered in the ear of dying saint,
Tho' spent with pain, and pulse and heart beat faint;
Yet, at the name of "Jesus" doth his eyes
Seek ours in love, and peace, and glad surprise,
And then forever close in sweet content
To open them in Heav'n — a life well spent!
Oh, Jesus! Thine the ever-potent power
To charm, to heal, to bless, in trial's hour;
Let all the world Thy name with rev'rence hear.
And trust Thy pow'r to save; with holy fear
Approach the footstool of Thy matchless grace.
And find in Thee their soul's dear resting-place!
Perseverance
Poet: John Imrie
Disappointment is not utter failure,
The "striving" is a measure of success;
Each wise attempt but makes us stronger grow,
Till, oft-repeated, stumbling-blocks seem less,
And finally prove stepping-stones to gain
The end in view, and our fond hopes attain!
As drops of water wear the solid rock,
Or sun's bright ray, in focus, kindle flame,
So concentrated effort, wisely spent.
Will yet be crowned with success and with fame!
If that thy aim be good, then persevere,
Though success fail thee, this thy heart may cheer:
No man e'er strove with noble end in view.
But from the strife came forth more brave and true!
Patience
Poet: John Imrie
Patience! thou art a giant in thy strength,
A miracle of wonder-working power;
By calm endurance success crowns at length
As certain as the fruit succeeds the flower!
Patience - brave heart! 'tis step by step we go
And reach at last the haven of our hopes!
'Tis drop by drop - then hidden springs overflow
And rush in torrents down the mountain slopes!
'Tis one by one our moments swiftly dy
To form the deathless history of the past!
Then patiently pursue thy purpose high
While genius, hope, and emulation last.
Patience is true ! - even though defeat
Seem imminent, yet patience still is sweet!
One Day At A Time
Poet: John Imrie
When worry, and care, and toil are ours,
And the day's weary heights we climb,
Let's think of the restful evening hours -
We live but one day at a time!
So let us toil on for those we love,
To fret and despair is a crime;
'Twill lessen our load to look above;
We live but one day at a time!
To labor and toil is man's estate,
The reward will come - dime by dime;
Be it ours to bravely work and wait -
We live but one day at a time.
Then work with a will and sing this lay
To the tune of the evening's chime, -
Let canker and care fly swift away!"
We live but one day at a time!
And at last, when life's grey shadows fall,
Ere we pass to the realms sublime,
We shall hear the Master's welcome call:
"Thou hast lived well, one day at a time!"
What Shall I Sing?
Poet: John Imrie
Sing a merry, happy lay,
Bright as Summer's golden day,
When the hours fly swift away,
Oh! sing of these to me!
Sing of birds, and bees, and flowers.
Sing of Flora's lovely bowers,
Sing of early childhood's hours.
Oh! sing of these to me!
Sing the songs that touch the heart,
Causing tears of joy to start, -
Sing of friends that never part.
Oh! sing of these to me!
Wooing like the gentle dove.
Sing of happiness and love,
Sing of brighter joys above
Oh! sing of these to me!
Sing of these, and I shall sing,
As if borne on angel's wing
To the presence of the King,
There evermore to be!
Is This Life Worth Living?
Poet: John Imrie
"Is this life worth living " you ask;
Perhaps not - to those who repine,
And murmur at life's daily task,
Commencing each day with a whine!
The cowards who fret at their lot,
And listlessly pass time away,
Are not worth the six-by- three plot,"
Or the shroud that'll wrap their dead clay!
Yes, life is worth living! thank God!
To those who are honest and true;
Who smile at misfortune, and plod
Till success doth crown them anew!
Oh! life is God's blessing to man.
Though ever so humble our lot;
Let each do the good that he can, -
'Tis better to "wear out" than rot!
Then, let not a murmur be heard.
Let duty encompass each hour;
Thank God for the life that is spar'd,-
In labor is honor and power!
Happy Childhood
Poet: John Imrie
Happy childhood, full of smiles,
All the livelong day;
Winsome ways and cunning wiles,
Ever fond of play.
How our hearts with pleasure beat,
Feeling young and gay;
When we see them on the street,
Sadness flies away!
Care or sorrow hath no part
In life's early day,
Thine the light and happy heart,
Singing merrily!
Like the flowers of early Spring
O'er the meadows cast,
Sweetness to our hearts they bring.
Dear mem'ries of the past.
But the future, who can tell
What their lot may be?
God, who doeth all things well.
Keep them pure and free!
Heavenward
Poet: John Imrie
There is in man a something that would soar
Far from this weary world of toil and pain,
Were he not fondly anchor'd to earth's shore
By tender ties he dare not overstrain!
Stronger they grow as years roll on apace,
Till we would fain make all our Heaven here
Until arrested by God's saving grace,
Won by His love, or driven by conscious fear,
To own the inward monitor that pleads
The birthright of our soul to higher things
More suited to immortal wants and needs!
Then sing we as the rescued captive sings:
Those love their freedom best who once were bound.
Earth's pleasures pall when Heavenly joys are found!
More Poems by John Imrie
- Heart Questioning – A thoughtful poem that reflects on life's questions and reminds us that faith and hope can bring peace when our hearts are uncertain.
- This Morning – A refreshing poem that celebrates the beauty of a new day and encourages readers to greet each morning with gratitude and renewed purpose.
- Night – This peaceful poem captures the quiet beauty of nighttime while encouraging reflection, rest, and trust in God's care.
- Bitter or Sweet – A meaningful poem reminding us that our attitude and choices often determine whether life's experiences become bitter or sweet.
- Lord, I Believe! – A heartfelt poem expressing faith in God, offering encouragement to trust Him through every season of life.
- Life's Progress – A reflective poem that follows life's journey and encourages us to keep growing in character, wisdom, and purpose.
- True Love – A touching poem celebrating genuine love that is faithful, enduring, and strengthened through life's joys and trials.
- Flowers – A gentle poem that uses the beauty and fragrance of flowers to remind us of kindness, friendship, and life's simple blessings.
- Good-bye Means Not Farewell – A comforting poem that reminds us that true friendships and love continue even when people must part.
- Farewell – A sincere poem about saying goodbye with gratitude, hope, and the belief that cherished memories remain with us.
- The Brotherhood Of Man – An inspiring poem calling for kindness, compassion, and unity as we learn to care for one another.
- Laughing – An uplifting poem showing how laughter brightens difficult days and brings joy to both ourselves and those around us.
- To My Friend – A warm tribute to the friends who shape our lives, reminding us that true friendship remains a lasting treasure through the years.
Popular Pages
If John Imrie's poems encouraged your heart, these popular collections offer more inspiring verses about hope, purpose, faith, and the blessings found throughout life's journey.
Discover our collection of Poems Of Encouragement, filled with uplifting verses that inspire hope, courage, and strength for every season of life.
Read our Living Life Poem and be reminded to appreciate each day, embrace life's blessings, and make the most of every opportunity.
Enjoy our Poems About Children Growing Up, celebrating the joy, love, and treasured memories that come with watching children grow.
Conclusion
John Imrie believed that simple words could encourage ordinary people to live with faith, kindness, perseverance, and hope. Although these poems were written more than a century ago, their messages remain just as meaningful today. Whether you needed encouragement to keep going, a reminder to trust God, or inspiration to treat others with compassion, we hope these poems have left you feeling uplifted. May John Imrie's thoughtful verses encourage you to face each day with courage, gratitude, and a heart ready to make a positive difference.
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