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Life's Progress
Life is always moving forward, even when the changes seem small. In Life's Progress, John Imrie uses springs, rivers, and the ocean to show how our lives grow and change as we travel through the years.
The poem begins with a small spring that becomes a river and eventually reaches the sea. Imrie compares this natural journey to our own progress in life, reminding us that we are meant to grow in our thoughts, actions, relationships, and purpose.
His words also encourage us to consider where our journey is taking us and how we are using the life we have been given. For more thoughtful verses about living with purpose and making the most of each day, read our Poems About Life.
Updated October 7, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
Life's Progress
Poet: John Imrie
Down the mountains, down the hills,
Trickling on for ever;
Gentle springs make little rills,
Little rills the river.
Rivers rolling to the sea
Lose themselves in ocean,
Bearing on their bosoms free
Noble ships in motion.
Such is life, a constant change,
Still from small to greater;
Let us learn the lesson strange
Taught by our Creator:
Life is giv'n for noble ends,
Lofty thoughts and actions,
Winning to our bosom — friends
Gain'd in life's transactions.
Ah! soon we'll reach life's ocean strand,
Just like the mighty river,
Safe in the hollow of that Hand
Which holds the seas for ever.
Key Reflections In This Poem
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Life Is Always Moving Forward
Just as a small spring continues toward the river and sea, our lives keep moving forward. Each day brings changes and experiences that become part of our journey.
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Small Beginnings Can Lead To Greater Things
Imrie begins with gentle springs and little rills that eventually become a mighty river. His words remind us not to underestimate small beginnings or the progress we make one step at a time.
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We Are Meant To Grow
Life brings opportunities to develop our character, strengthen our relationships, and learn from experience. Progress is not only about what we accomplish, but also about the person we become.
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Use Life For Noble Purposes
The poet reminds us that life has been given to us for "noble ends." Our thoughts and actions matter, and we can use them to bring good into our own lives and the lives of others.
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Faith Gives Comfort Along The Journey
The final verse looks beyond life's journey with trust in God's care. Imrie leaves us with the comforting thought that wherever the journey leads, we remain safe in the hand of our Creator.
Popular Pages
Find more poems and quotes that offer encouragement and wisdom for the journey through life.
Discover timeless words and meaningful lessons in these Famous Poems by poets whose verses continue to inspire readers.
These Life Journey Quotes offer encouraging thoughts about the experiences, changes, and lessons we encounter along the way.
Read the Train Of Life Poem for another thoughtful comparison that reminds us of the people and experiences that become part of life's journey.
Let these Enjoy Life Quotes remind you to appreciate the moments you have and find joy as you move through each stage of life.
Conclusion
Life's Progress gives us a simple picture of how life unfolds. We begin small, we grow through our experiences, and along the way our choices, actions, and relationships help shape the person we become.
Like the river that keeps moving toward the ocean, we cannot stand still in time. Each new day gives us another opportunity to learn, grow, help others, and use our lives for something worthwhile. John Imrie's final words also remind us that through every stage of the journey, we can place our trust in God's care.
More John Imrie Poems to Encourage and Inspire