Make Hay While The Sun Shines Poem
An inspiring poem full of wisdom that encourages us to give our best to the work before us today.
Updated March 24, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
The poem reminds us that the old maxim is true and teaches us not to put off until tomorrow what we can do today.
The saying reminds us not to procrastinate. Sometimes in life, it is easy to say, "I'll do that tomorrow." But then tomorrow never comes and we never accomplish that which we were thinking of.
There are many sayings or maxims that have been around for years and contain wisdom we need to think about and apply to our lives. Don't put off today, thinking tomorrow will do, is certainly one of them. The saying, "make hay while the sun shines," is also a key saying in the poem. As the verses state, if we wait until tomorrow to gather the hay, tomorrow it might rain and it will be too late to get the hay.
The Poet also states that we should make our life shine by doing good deeds. By doing good deeds while we are young and able will serve us well as we face the challenges of life. It reminds us of the saying, "what goes around comes around."
We all have the same number of hours in each day, don't waste them by waiting until tomorrow as you may turn around and find the years have slipped away!
Share this inspirational poem with others, especially the young people in your life, and explore more motivational poems for added encouragement.
Make Hay While The Sun Shines
Make hay while the sun shines,
That old maxim you'll find true,
Do not put it off to-day,
Thinking to-morrow will do.
Make hay while the sun shines,
It's a saying of old,
If you'll follow the advice,
It'll be worth more than gold.
Yes work while the sun shines, that is the way,
For to-morrow may be a rainy day,
If you put it off, your hay may get wet,
Then you'll be in an awful fret.
Make your life to shine in doing good deeds,
You'll find plenty of work, plenty that needs,
The good you may do in the young part of life,
Will help you to conquer your trials and strife.
Make hay in the sunshine while you take hold,
Lay up of old age you may live to be old,
Make hay in life's sunny hours,
And not wait for the coming showers.
Improve your time in your younger days,
You've no lease of your life;
The big book says,
the sunshine of life is the time to make hay.
If you let the time slip away,
Until it is too late,
Then when you get old,
You'll ponder o'er your fate.
Better work over hours,
And work every day,
Then you'll feel glad,
When young you made hay.
Key Messages in This Poem:
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Do not delay what should be done today.
One of the strongest lessons in this poem is the warning against putting things off. It reminds us that good intentions are not enough if we never act on them. We may think there will always be more time tomorrow, but life does not always wait for us. This poem encourages us to take hold of the present moment and do the work that is before us while we have the chance.
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The best time to build a good life is now.
The poem is not only about hard work, but also about wise living. It teaches that the younger years of life are valuable and should be used well. The habits we build, the choices we make, and the good we do today can shape our future in meaningful ways. Rather than wasting time, the poem encourages us to use our days with purpose, kindness, and determination.
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Doing good brings lasting value.
Another beautiful message in the poem is that life shines brightest when we are doing good deeds. Success is not only found in work completed, but also in the good we do for others. The poem reminds us that when we live with care, effort, and kindness, we gain something more valuable than gold. A life well used becomes a blessing both to ourselves and to those around us.
Popular Pages:
If this poem spoke to you, these popular pages offer more encouraging words about work, sunshine, purpose, and making the most of each day.
Visit our Procrastination Quotes page for wise reminders that encourage us to stop delaying and start doing what matters most.
Read our Work Quotes for inspiring thoughts that highlight the value of effort, diligence, and doing our best.
Enjoy our Sunshine Poems for uplifting verses that reflect warmth, hope, and brighter days ahead.
Take a look at our Sunshine Quotes for cheerful words that remind us to look for light in every day.
Browse our Inspirational Poems for uplifting verses that can encourage your heart and strengthen your outlook.
Read our Poems About Life for thoughtful verses that reflect on time, choices, purpose, and everyday living.
Visit our Positive Poems for encouraging words that help you keep a hopeful and determined spirit.
Read To-morrow for another meaningful poem that reflects on time and the importance of not waiting too long.
Explore our Famous Poems collection for timeless verses that continue to inspire readers of all ages.
Conclusion
"Make Hay While The Sun Shines" shares a simple truth that still speaks clearly today. Time is precious, and the opportunities before us should not be taken for granted. The poem encourages us to work faithfully, do good while we can, and make wise use of the days we are given. Its message is a helpful reminder that when we use our time well, we build a life marked by purpose, effort, and good character.
More Poems About Work to Motivate and Inspire
"Do what you can today, for time once gone cannot be gathered back."