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The Junk Box
The verses in this poem speak to anyone who believes that everything has a purpose. Edgar A. Guest begins with a simple lesson from a father to his son about saving what may seem useless today because it could prove valuable tomorrow. As the poem unfolds, it takes a deeper turn, reminding us that people, like those forgotten items, still have worth, have something to offer, and have a purpose in life.
Sometimes we judge someone by their rough edges, their past mistakes, or the way they have failed. This poem encourages us to look again. A person may be hurting, discouraged, or lacking confidence, but that does not mean they have nothing to offer. With patience, kindness, and understanding, we can see potential where others only see problems.
Updated October 6, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
The Junk Box
Poet: Edgar A. Guest
My father often used to say:
"My boy, don’t throw a thing away;
You’ll find a use for it someday.”
So in a box he stored up things,
Bent nails, old washers, pipes and rings,
And bolts and nuts and rusty springs.
Despite each blemish and each flaw,
Some use for everything he saw.
With things material, this was law.
And often when he’d work to do,
He searched the junk box through and through,
And found old stuff as good as new.
And I have often thought since then,
That father did the same with men;
He knew he’d need their help again.
It seems to me he understood,
That men, as well as iron and wood,
May broken be and still be good.
Despite the vices he’d display,
He never threw a man away,
But kept him for another day.
A human junk box is this earth,
And into it we’re tossed at birth,
To wait the day we’ll be of worth.
Though bent and twisted, weak of will,
And full of flaws and lacking skill,
Some service each can render still.
Key Reflections In This Poem
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Do Not Be Quick To Throw Things Away
What looks like junk can still be useful when the right moment comes. Something that seems to have little value today may serve a purpose tomorrow.
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People Are More Than Their Flaws
Someone may be struggling or have made mistakes, but they still have worth. We should not judge a person's whole life by their weaknesses.
-
Give Others Another Chance
People can change, grow, and find new ways to contribute. Sometimes another chance is exactly what someone needs to show what they can do.
-
Kindness Looks For Value
A caring heart looks beyond what is wrong and notices what is still good. Seeing the potential in another person can encourage them to see it in themselves.
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Everyone Has Something To Offer
Edgar A. Guest reminds us that even those who feel broken or overlooked can still be of service. Every person has worth and can make a difference in some way.
Popular Pages
If this poem encouraged you, you may also enjoy these popular pages filled with words about helping, giving, and living with purpose.
If you enjoy poems about lending a hand, visit Poems About Helping Others for verses that remind us small acts can make a big difference.
When you need a lift in your day, take a moment to read Encouragement Quotes and find words that help you keep going.
For more inspiration about generosity and caring, explore Giving Poems and be reminded that giving is a gift to both the giver and the receiver.
If you like uplifting words about serving others, you will enjoy Community Service Quotes that celebrate helping in our towns and neighborhoods.
For quiet words that make you think in a good way, visit Thoughtful Quotes and reflect on life one line at a time.
If the message of growth and purpose speaks to you, read Life Journey Poems for reminders that each step matters.
When you want encouragement to look at life with fresh eyes, visit What Life Means To Me for poems and reflections about what matters most.
Conclusion
The Junk Box is a reminder to be careful with our judgments. A rusty nail can still hold something together, and a person with a past can still do good. This poem encourages us to look for usefulness, not just neatness. It also reminds us to be patient because sometimes a person's true worth is revealed with time.
More Edgar A. Guest Poems to Inspire