Little Further

A humorous poem by Berton Braley about going a little further. Some people are content to stay exactly where they are and how they are in life, but others like Braley want to keep going until all roads are exhausted.

"Sometimes the best moments happen after you decide to go just a little further."

Updated February 18, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

While the poem is funny it is also encouraging to keep on going, life has much to offer if we just keep going a little further.

Little Further

The reason I never can quit the road
Is a reason that's plain and clear.
It's because no matter where I may stop
And whether it's far or near

There's a place beyond the place I am,
Wherever I may be at,
And then beyond is a place beyond
And the world beyond all that!

And as long as a man has eyes to see
And a brain that wants to know,
I figure there's things he's bound to miss
If he doesn't go on and go;

For there's always a place beyond the place
I happen to hang my hat,
And another place beyond that place
And the world beyond all that!

There's some folks stay in a single spot
Or a town of which they're fond,
And never worry a little bit
At the thought of a place beyond;

But the place beyond the place beyond
Won't never let me rest
For there's a sort of a kind of urge
That's burning within my breast-

To go and go till the end of life,
And when I've left it flat,
Go on beyond the place beyond;
And the universe after that!

Key Messages in this poem

  • Curiosity keeps us moving.

    When we keep learning and looking ahead, we do not get stuck in one place.

  • There is always more to explore.

    The poem reminds us that new places and new ideas are often just beyond where we are now.

  • Some people stay put, others keep going.

    It is fine to be settled, but the poet is honest about his inner urge to continue.

  • Do not quit too soon.

    If you stop early, you may miss something good that is just a little further down the road.


Conclusion

Little Further makes us smile, but it also gives a gentle reminder. If we keep our eyes open and our hearts willing, life can still surprise us. Some days we only have the strength for one more step, and that is enough. Keep going, keep learning, and see what is waiting a little further ahead.

More Funny Famous Poems to Inspire

"Progress is often one small choice, made again and again, to keep going."