Lend A Hand
We all face adversity at some point in our lives. Let this poem encourage you to lend a hand when times are good, because you never know what tomorrow holds, and a helping hand may be what you need one day.
Open the heart and lend a hand.
To-day fortune may smile to-morrow may frown.
Updated February 3, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
There is a simple truth in this poem. Life can change quickly. A person can feel strong and steady today, then face a hard season tomorrow. That is why kindness matters when things are going well.
Lend A Hand reminds us that we do not rise on our own. We all need support at different times, whether it is a word of hope, a small act of help, or someone who listens. When we notice others who are struggling, we can choose to lift them up instead of walking by.
This poem also encourages gratitude and humility. If we are doing well, we can share what we have, time, care, patience, and help. Those simple choices can make a big difference in someone else’s day.
The Poem: Lend A Hand
What is this world? A playhouse that God for man hath built,
And some by fortune are favored more than others;
Then, favored ones, upon this platform of woe, and want, and guilt,
Oh, assist your struggling, wayside brothers!
You, who on fortune's eminence chance to stand,
Open the heart and lend a hand.
Pity those who drink from Adversity's bittered cup,
Who trials and troubles count by the score.
Oh, help to lift sad, despairing ones up.
And God and man shall bless your store!
And seeing one on the margin of despondency stand,
Open the heart and lend a hand.
To-day fortune may smile, to-morrow, may frown,
To-day we may be hugged in Prosperity's arms;
Such is life! while some go up, others come down
Into the midst of Misfortune's alarms,
Hence, if high on the ladder of fortune you stand,
Open the heart and lend a hand.
Then, in this wilderness of contention and strife,
Life, for all, might become a bright dream,
By assisting those whose trials and struggles are rife.
Those pulling hard 'gainst Adversity's stream,
For those combating rough winds on life's changeful strand.
Open the heart and lend a hand.
Key Messages from the Poem
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Help others while you can
The poem reminds us that when life is going well, that is the best time to offer help. A kind act given freely today may be returned in unexpected ways tomorrow.
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Life can change quickly
Fortune does not remain the same for anyone. Those who feel strong today may face hardship tomorrow, which is why compassion and understanding matter so much.
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Kindness lifts both giver and receiver
When we open our hearts and lend a hand, we bring hope to others and strengthen our own character. Small acts of care can make life brighter for everyone.
These simple lessons remind us that kindness is never a small thing, and when we choose to lend a hand, we help create a better day not only for others, but for ourselves as well.
Popular Pages
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Conclusion
This poem reminds us that helping others is not only a kind choice, it is also a wise one. Life can turn quickly, and the person who is strong today may need support tomorrow. When we choose to care for others while we can, we build a better day for everyone.
Look around and notice where you can lend a hand. It may be a small act, but it can bring hope to someone who feels worn down. And when you keep kindness in your daily life, you will find that your own heart becomes stronger too.
More Famous Poems to Inspire
Kindness is never wasted, because it always leaves the world a little better than it was before.