46 Poems For Teenagers

Poems about strength, kindness, courage, and self-belief, written to support teens through life’s ups and downs.

You are stronger than your struggles, braver than your doubts, and capable of more than you know. Keep going - your future is bright!

Updated July 1, 2025, by Catherine Pulsifer

Being a teenager isn’t always easy. The teenage years are a time of discovery, growth, and change. It’s a stage in life where you start to shape who you are, face new challenges, and dream about the future. There are moments of joy, excitement, and laughter—but also times of uncertainty, self-doubt, and pressure. Whether it’s navigating friendships, overcoming setbacks, or simply trying to find your place in the world, these years can feel like a rollercoaster.

But know this—you are not alone. The words of poetry can be a source of encouragement, strength, and wisdom. These poems are here to remind you that you are capable, resilient, and worthy. They speak of courage in the face of fear, the power of kindness, and the importance of staying true to yourself.

Let these verses inspire you, uplift you, and remind you that no matter what you face, you have the strength to rise, to grow, and to shine.

You Are Stronger Than You Know

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

The pressure builds, the days feel long,
You try so hard to just stay strong.
So much to do, so much to be,
But don’t forget to care for you and me.

A single step, a breath so deep,
Let go of worries that make you weep.
Mistakes will come, but that’s alright,
You’ll find your way, you’ll see the light.

Your worth’s not set by grades or speed,
You’re more than tasks or what you need.
Take a break, don’t run so fast,
These moments now, they will not last.

So lift your head, don’t feel alone,
You have more strength than you have shown.
Tomorrow’s fresh, a brand-new start,
Face it all with hopeful heart.

Fear Won’t Win

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Fear will whisper, you can’t do this,
Filling your mind with doubt and abyss.
But don’t believe the lies you hear,
You have the strength to persevere.

Each challenge faced will help you grow,
More than you can even know.
Take a step, then one more too,
Confidence will rise in you.

So stand up tall and face the fight,
Darkness fades with even light.
Believe in you, push past the fear,
Your strength is greater than it appears.

Believe in you, push past the fear, Your strength is greater than it appears Poems About Strength

Stay True to You

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

They’ll push and pull, say just give in,
Convince you wrong is not a sin.
But deep inside, you’ll always know,
What’s right, what’s real, will truly show.

The path you choose is yours alone,
You set the tone, you carve the stone.
Stand up strong, don’t follow blind,
Keep your values, keep your mind.

Respect yourself, don’t change for them,
True friends will shine, not fade or dim.
Stay true to you in all you do,
The right ones will stand strong with you.

Choose Kindness

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Words can hurt, they cut so deep,
They haunt the mind, they steal our sleep.
But kindness heals, it lifts, it mends,
A simple act can change a friend.

So stand up tall, don’t walk away,
A voice of hope can save the day.
Treat others well, let kindness shine,
The world needs hearts as strong as thine.

So stand up tall, don’t walk away, A voice of hope can save the day. Poems About Resilience

Choose Your Friends Wisely

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Some will smile but tell you lies,
Say they're true, yet wear disguise.
They stand so close when times are bright,
But disappear in stormy nights.

A real friend stays through highs and lows,
Supports your dreams, helps you grow.
They speak the truth, they show they care,
Through ups and downs, they’re always there.

So choose your friends with careful thought,
Not by words, but what they’ve brought.
True ones lift, they stand so true,
And in return, be that friend too.

Teenage Years

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Oh teenage years, I remember them so
There were happy days and days I felt so low
There were days life was a roller coaster ride
Back and forth like the ocean's tides.

Oh teenage years they were the best
We have fun even when there was a test
Most of the time we would study hard
But we made time for playing ball in the yard.

Oh teenage years I had many a worry
And life seemed slow, never in a hurry
Looking back I now realize
Many of my worries never materialize.

Being a teenager means growing up
Even drinking coffee in a cup
You will look back and find
The best days will be in your mind!

So don't take life to seriously
Appreciate friends and family
Set your goals and believe in you
And to yourself always stay true!

Set your goals and believe in you And to yourself always stay true! Poems about Being Yourself

Don't Give Up

Poet: Unknown

Don't give up hope when you are down,
For you must fight to be a man;
Determination wins the crown,
So rise again and say, "I CAN!"

The wear and tear you get from life
Builds character ... as tempered steel;
The knocks you get that bring you strife
Are boosts that bring a squarer deal.

The changes that await for you
Are, too, the ones that I have faced,
So grit your teeth, you'll come on through,
And tarry not to be disgraced.

Heartbreaks and grief will come your way;
They're aftermaths of death and love.
But you can bravely face that day
If you believe in powers above.

Don't think that you're the only one
Who's been ordained to suffer so.
For there are others who must run
A race that's tougher . . . this I know.

Objectives that you have desired
To someday reach and linger there,
Must be ambitions that are fired
With manliness, rebuilt to wear.

The gutters and the bow'ry streets.
Where all day long the beggars chant,
Are good examples of defeats,
For these are men who've said, 'I CAN'T!"

The architect. , . the builder, too;
The dreamer who promotes the plan,
Are good examples of the few
That strived and won and said, "I CAN!"

If others can achieve an aim,
Though goings, now and then are tough —
You, too, can win at this great game,
Because you've got the selfsame stuff.

Don't give up hope when you are down Poems About Hope

The Other Cheek

Poet: Unknown

Pretty irritations,
Clog the stream of life.
Causing much unhappiness
And a lot of strife.

To keep the life stream flowing
Free of wrath and hate.
When unkind words are spoken
Do not retaliate.

Holdfast!

Poet: Unknown

Just cling to your good thoughts and make them last,
They're dividend paying stocks;
So just grit your teeth and to Good, hold fast!
When it looks like you're on the rocks.

There was never a cloud could hide the sun
For more than a day or two;
So don't be so ready to quit and run,
When adversity comes to you.

It's the person who can keep his thoughts on Good
That wins, when the clouds have passed;
So shun the evil suggestions that would
Bring you nothing but grief — Hold Fast!

So don't be so ready to quit and run, When adversity comes to you Don't Quit Poem

Failure’s Not the End

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Mistakes will come, but don’t lose sight,
Each one can help to guide you right.
Failure’s not the end, you’ll see,
It builds your strength, it sets you free.

So rise again, don’t dwell too long,
Keep moving forward, stay so strong.
Every lesson helps you grow,
Success will come—just take it slow.

The Mender

Poet: Unknown

To you who ask: "'Tis Life Worth While?"
I'd gladly teach by showing
The way to wear a cheerful smile
As down Life's trail you're going,
To see the beauty through the muck,
That tears make smiles the sweeter,
To stop and aid the man who's stuck —
Should your foot be fleeter.

You'd find I know this simple plan
A means of better living,
That happiness rewards the man
Whose life is spent in giving,
That smiles shall be with smiles repaid,
That squallor bows to beauty.
And too, that life is better made
If faced as sacred duty.

To you who doubt the worth of life,
This sound advice I tender;
If you've betorn yourself with strife.
You too, can be the mender.

A Little Goes a Long Way

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

A smile, a word, a helping hand,
Small acts of kindness, not so grand.
Yet in a world that feels so cold,
These little things shine bright as gold.

You never know the joy you bring,
The hope that makes a sad heart sing.
So choose to give, be kind, be true,
A better world starts first with you.

So choose to give, be kind, be true, A better world starts first with you. Life Choices Poems

The Bright Side Out

Poet: George W. Davis

When you feel life but a burden.
When your way is overcast.
When the day is full of trials.
With new dangers thickening fast;
Think then of the lark a-singing
As she gaily soars about;
Sure enough she has her troubles.
Yet she keeps the bright side out.

All the world is full of sorrow,
Full of heartaches and of fears.
Full of lonesomeness and sadness.
Full of partings and of tears;
So it needs a something different,
That will put despair to rout;
That is why it hails the brother
Who will keep the bright side out.

Never mind the little setbacks,
Never mind the crushing blow,
Never mind about tomorrow —
Keep a-singing as you go.
Though your heart may have misgivings
Bravely hide away your doubt,
For you surely cheer some other
When you keep the bright side out.

For you surely cheer some other  When you keep the bright side out Positive Poems

Your Chance

Poet: Edwin Markham

To each one is given a marble to carve for the wall;
A stone that is needed to heighten the beauty of all;
And only his soul has the magic to give it grace;
And only his hands have the cunning to put it in place -
Yes, the task that is given to each one, no other can do; -
So the errand is waiting;
It has waited through ages for you.
And now you appear:
And the hushed ones are turning their gaze,
To see what you do with your chance in the chamber of days.

Let's Be Kind

Poet: Unknown

As we journey down the road,
Let us share each other's load,
Let's be kind.

We are comrades on the way,
Going whither none can say,
Long the night, but while it's day,
Let's be kind.

At its best the road is steep,
And a little cheer is cheap;
Pass it out, it helps a heap;
Let's be kind.

As we journey down the road, Let us share each other's load, Let's be kind. Kindness Poems

Two Kinds Of People

There are two kinds of people on earth today,
Just two kinds of people — no more I say,
Not the good and the bad, for 'tis well understood
The good are half bad and the bad half good,
Nor the rich and the poor, for to count a man's wealth
You must know how the state of his conscience, and health

No, the two kinds of people on earth that I mean
Are the people who lift, and the people who lean
Wherever you go, you will find the world's masses
Are divided in just these two classes.
And, oddly enough, you will find, I ween,
There is only one lifter to twenty who lean.

In which class are you? Are you easing the load
Of overtaxed lifters who toil down the road?

Or are you a leaner who lets others bear
Your portion of labor and worry and care?

Believe

Author Unknown

Believe that you can —
and you will not fail, though great be the task begun.

Believe that you can —
though hard the trail, and rugged the road you run.

Have faith in yourself.
Just know that you can and you're simply bound to do;
and never a barrier, bar or ban can keep you from carrying through.

Believe in yourself and then go in and work with your heart and soul.
Believe in yourself and you'll surely win, no matter how far your goal.
There's a marvelous force in the faith that springs from this great and noble thought;
by the magic spell of strength it brings the greatest of all deeds are wrought.

Believe in your soul that you will succeed.
For as sure as you hold this thought, you will back your faith with power of deed, 'till the last hard fight is fought!

Aye, hold to that thought and you'll do your part in the way that it should be done.
Just start with a winner's confident heart, and your battle is really won!

So go to it, and hit your stride, and never falter or turn aside 'til the whole long course is run.

You may not be brilliant, or clever, or smart; you may not be fast of pace,
but if you have grit and a confident heart you surely will win the race.

if you have grit and a confident heart you surely will win the race Poems About Life Struggles

All Is Well

Poet: Arthur Hugh Clough

Whate'er you dream with doubt possessed,
Keep, keep it snug within your breast,
And lay you down and take your rest;
Forget in sleep the doubt and pain.
And when you wake, to work again.
The wind it blows, the vessel goes.

And where and whither, no one knows.
'Twill all be well: no need of care;
Though how it will, and when, and where,
We cannot see, and can't declare.
In spite of dreams, in spite of thought,
'Tis not in vain, and not for nought.
The wind blows, the ship it goes,
Though where and whither, no one knows.

The Other Fellow

Poet: Unknown

Through our eyes the other fellow
Oft appears as someone strange
Someone that we cannot fathom,
Someone we would like to change.
Something of ourselves we vision

When we look at other men,
Oft their faults are ours for mending,
By our quite superior ken.
Know then when we judge adversely
When our thoughts condemning roam,
That reform had best be started,
In ourselves and right at home

Yesterdays

Poet: Unknown

Our yesterdays, all of them gone;
What is left in their wake?
Give to yourself an honest response.
Just for your own sake.
Each Yesterday's dawn had dreams
Of accomplishments won.
Is its memory a rebuke,
Or praise for work well done?

All Tomorrows are Yesterdays
Not yet arrived.
Will Tommorrows' intentions
Be fulfilled or deprived?
There is only one method
To assure success.
Leave nothing to Fate
Or foolish human's guess.

Each Today we must feel
We have not another chance,
Every thought, word and deed
We must live to enhance;
For by living each Today
As though it were Tomorrow,
All Yesterdays to come
Will have naught to cause sorrow.

Unselfishness

by J. R. Miller

Unselfishness,
even in its smallest acts and manifestations,
costs some sacrifice.

Work for others which costs us nothing' is scarcely worth doing.
It takes heart blood to heal hearts.

It is those who sow in tears that shall reap in joy.

Take easy work if, you will, work that costs nothing;
give only what you will not miss;
spare yourself from self-denial and waste and sacrifice;
but be not surprised if your hands are empty in the harvest time.
We must give if we are to receive.

We must give if we are to receive. Giving Poems

Choose Your Companions Well

by Unknown

Do not draw into your shell.
So much is to be gained by contact with the outside world.
The influence of the social current has the same effect upon human nature
as that produced by the constant friction of the sea upon the pebbles on the beach.
Rough corners are polished and angles smoothed down into symmetrical proportions.

But it is not enough to be simply in the swim.
If you wish to be happy, cultivate that society which elevates and ennobles.
Seek relaxation for mind and body among a set of people who hold broad views of living.
Narrow-minded men and women, and the world is full of them,
will only give you distorted ideas of life,
ideas that will change the sunniest and most healthful disposition
into one morose, churlish and ill-natured.
Be careful then, whom you choose for your companions.

Family Stays

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

At times we fight, we don’t agree,
We wish that they would let us be.
But through the highs and through the lows,
Their love is there—it always shows.

So take a moment, show you care,
A simple word, a smile to share.
Through every storm, through every phase,
Family stays—through all our days.

Through every storm, through every phase, Family stays—through all our days Poems About Family

Your Outlook

Poet: Joan Somerset

Grumble? No; what's the good?
If it availed, I would;
But it doesn't, not a bit,
Not it.

Laugh? Yes; why not?
'Tis better than crying, a lot;
We were made to be glad,
Not sad.

Sing? Why, yes, to be sure;
We shall better endure
If the heart is full of song
All day long.

A Recipe For Happiness

Poet: Unknown

Patience, justice, mercy, truth
All the pleasures found in youth
Joy and hope and courage strong
Mixed with love your whole life long,
Stir till smooth; in large mold cast.
From this mixture comes at last,
Charming in its power to bless,
Lovely, star-crowned happiness.

Short Poems for Teens

for Confidence and Self-Worth

You Are Enough

Don’t change to fit what others see,
You’re meant to be just perfectly.
With all your quirks and heart so true,
The world’s a better place with you.

You Matter

You’re not defined by what you do,
Or who believes the most in you.
You have a light that’s all your own—
You’re worthy, loved, and not alone.

about Peer Pressure

Your Own Way

They may all shout, “Come follow me!”
But deep inside, you hold the key.
Walk your path with steady pace,
You don’t need to win their race.

Stand Your Ground

They may all laugh or walk one way,
But you don’t have to go astray.
Stay true to what you know is right—
Your inner strength will shine so bright.

for Dreams and Goals

Keep Climbing

A dream begins with one small start,
Fueled by fire within your heart.
Don’t quit when progress feels too slow—
Step by step is how you grow.

Chase Your Dream

Your dream may feel so far away,
But don’t give up—just start today.
One small step, then one more too,
And soon that dream belongs to you.

Your dream may feel so far away, But don’t give up—just start today Never Give Up Poems
on Social Media & Comparison

More Than Likes

A screen can hide what’s truly real,
Not every smile is how we feel.
Don’t chase the scroll, don’t lose your way—
You’re more than what the hearts might say.

Beyond the Screen

Likes and follows fade so fast,
But real connection’s what will last.
Be true to you—don’t chase a trend,
Your worth’s not something you pretend.

About Change and Growing Up

Changing Seasons

The changes come, they always do,
Each one brings a stronger you.
Hold on tight and trust the ride,
There’s growth and beauty deep inside.

Growing Up

You won’t have all the answers now,
And that’s okay—you’ll learn somehow.
Each step you take, each choice you make,
Helps shape the path you’re meant to take.

on Emotions (Sadness, Anger, Joy)

Feel It All

It’s okay to cry, to laugh, to feel,
Your heart is strong, your soul is real.
Emotions rise like ocean tide—
Let them in, don’t try to hide.

It’s Okay to Feel

Some days you're happy, then you cry,
And you don’t even know just why.
But every feeling helps you grow—
It’s okay to let them show.

for Teen Girls

Shine As You Are

You don’t need sparkle just to shine,
Your inner light is by design.
Speak your truth and take your stand,
You're strong and gentle, bold and grand.

Be Proud of You

Don’t shrink to fit the world’s small mold,
Your voice is strong, your dreams are bold.
Stand tall with grace in all you do—
There’s power in just being you.

For Teen Boys

It’s Okay

It’s okay to talk, to hurt, to care,
To feel the weight that life can bear.
Real strength is found in honest ways,
Not hiding pain behind tough days.

Strength in Being Real

You don’t have to always wear a grin,
True strength comes from the heart within.
It’s brave to speak, to care, to try—
Real men don’t need to hide or lie.

On Forgiveness

Let It Go

Holding on will weigh you down,
It steals your joy, it makes you frown.
Forgive, not for them—but for your peace,
It’s how the heavy burdens cease.

Forgive and Move Forward

You’ve been hurt, it’s hard to take,
But holding on’s a heavy weight.
Forgive—not to say it’s all okay,
But so your heart can heal today.

Forgive—not to say it’s all okay, But so your heart can heal today Forgiveness Poems
About School Life

One Day at a Time

Homework piles, the tests, the pace—
It’s not a never-ending race.
Just do your best, don’t fret or fear,
Each small win brings progress near.

More Than Grades

School’s not just books or tests to take,
It’s learning who you are—and what’s at stake.
Be kind, stay curious, do your part,
And always lead with a good heart.

on Faith / Spiritual Growth

God’s Got You

When life feels heavy, full of doubt,
And you can’t seem to figure out—
Just pause and pray, let worries cease,
God walks with you and gives you peace.

Faith Will Guide You

When answers hide and doubts are loud,
Just lift your eyes above the cloud.
God’s plan unfolds in perfect time—
Keep walking on, His light will shine.

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Final Thoughts

No matter where you are on your journey, remember this: you are growing, learning, and becoming stronger each day. Life may bring challenges, but it also brings chances to rise, to smile, and to shine. These poems were written to remind you of your worth, your courage, and the light you carry within.

As you face new days, may these words stay with you. Let them offer encouragement when you're unsure, comfort when you're feeling down, and inspiration when you dream. Keep believing in yourself, be kind to others, and most importantly, stay true to who you are.

You have so much to offer. The world needs your voice, your heart, and your unique self. Keep moving forward. Your future is full of promise.

The choices you make today shape the person you become tomorrow. Stay true to yourself, chase your dreams, and never stop believing in your own potential

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