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One Never Knows
Edgar A. Guest's poems remind us that the smallest acts of kindness can have the greatest impact. A thoughtful word, a helping hand, or a genuine smile may seem ordinary, yet they often leave lasting memories and encourage others in ways we may never fully know. Enjoy these inspiring famous poems that celebrate kindness, good character, and the importance of living a life that makes a difference.
Updated July 24, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
One Never Knows
Poet: Edgar A. Guest
One never knows
How far a word of kindness goes;
One never sees
How far a smile of friendship flees.
Down, through the years,
The deed forgotten reappears.
One kindly word
The souls of many here has stirred.
Man goes his way
And tells with every passing day,
Until life's end:
'Once unto me he played the friend.'
We cannot say
What lips are praising us to-day.
We cannot tell
Whose prayers ask God to guard us well.
But kindness lives
Beyond the memory of him who gives
All That Matters
Poet: Edgar A. Guest
When all that matters shall be written down
And the long record of our years is told,
Where sham, like flesh, must perish and grow cold;
When the tomb closes on our fair renown
And priest and layman, sage and motleyed clown
Must quit the places which they dearly hold,
What to our credit shall we find enscrolled?
And what shall be the jewels of our crown?
I fancy we shall hear to our surprise
Some little deeds of kindness, long forgot,
Telling our glory, and the brave and wise
Deeds which we boasted often, mentioned not.
God gave us life not just to buy and sell,
And all that matters is to live it well.
Greatness
Poet: Edgar A. Guest
We can be great by helping one another;
We can be loved for very simple deeds:
Who has the grateful mention of a brother
Has really all the honor that he needs.
We can be famous for our works of kindness -
Fame is not born alone of strength or skill;
It sometimes comes from deafness and from blindness
To petty words and faults, and loving still.
We can be rich in gentle smiles and sunny:
A jeweled soul exceeds a royal crown.
The richest men sometimes have little money.
And Croesus oft's the poorest man in town.
A Real Man
Poet: Edgar A. Guest
Men are of two kinds, and he
Was of the kind I'd like to be.
Some preach their virtues, and a few
Express their lives by what they do.
That sort was he. No flowery phrase
Or glibly spoken words of praise
Won friends for him. He wasn't cheap
Or shallow, but his course ran deep.
And it was pure. You know the kind.
Not many in a life you find
Whose deeds outrun their words so far
That more than what they seem they are.
There are two kinds of lies as well:
The kind you live, the ones you tell.
Back through his years from age to youth
He never acted one untruth.
Out in the open light he fought
And didn't care what others thought
Nor what they said about his fight
If he believed that he was right.
The only deeds he ever hid
Were acts of kindness that he did.
What speech he had was plain and blunt.
His was an unattractive front.
Yet children loved him; babe and boy
Played with the strength he could employ,
Without one fear, and they are fleet
To sense injustice and deceit.
No back door gossip linked his name
With any shady tale of shame.
He did not have to compromise
With evil-doers, shrewd and wise,
And let them ply their vicious trade
Because of some past escapade.
Men are of two kinds, and he
Was of the kind I'd like to be.
No door at which he ever knocked
Against his manly form was locked.
If ever man on earth was free
And independent, it was he.
No broken pledge lost him respect,
He met all men with head erect,
And when he passed I think there went
A soul to yonder firmament
So white, so splendid and so fine
It came almost to God's design.
Key Reflections In These Poems
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Kindness Has A Lasting Impact
A kind word, a smile, or a helping hand may seem small at the time, but its influence can continue for years. These poems remind us that we may never fully know how our kindness has encouraged someone else.
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True Greatness Is Found In Serving Others
Edgar A. Guest shows that greatness is not measured by wealth, popularity, or achievements. It is found in caring for others, offering encouragement, and living with compassion each day.
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Actions Leave A Stronger Legacy Than Words
People are remembered more for what they do than for what they say. Honest actions, quiet generosity, and thoughtful deeds create a legacy that lasts long after we are gone.
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Live A Life That Matters
The poems encourage us to focus on what is truly important. A life filled with kindness, integrity, and concern for others is one that brings lasting value and is remembered with gratitude.
Popular Pages
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Read Constant Beauty, another inspiring Edgar A. Guest poem that reminds us to find hope and beauty even during life's difficult seasons.
Conclusion
Edgar A. Guest reminds us that a meaningful life is not measured by what we own or the recognition we receive, but by the kindness we show each day. Whether through a thoughtful word, a helping hand, or a caring heart, each of us has the opportunity to make a lasting difference in someone's life. May these poems encourage you to live with compassion, encourage others whenever you can, and remember that even the smallest act of kindness is never wasted.
More Edgar A. Guest Poems to Inspire