Poetry About Words
Let this poetry about words remind you that words do make a difference. What we say and how we say it can make a big difference in our own thinking and in the lives of others. Words do matter!
Words have a quiet power that can shape how we feel, how we connect, and how we move through the day.
Updated January 24, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer
Words may seem small, but they can leave a lasting mark. What we say and how we say it can encourage someone to keep going or make their day feel heavy.
These poems about words remind us to slow down and choose wisely. A kind word can bring comfort, and a thoughtful word can help someone feel understood.
We will not always speak perfectly, but we can learn to pause. When we do, our words can become a way to show respect, care, and hope.
In addition to these poems you may also be encouraged by our collection of words have power quotes. These poems and quotes reinforce the thought that "words do matter".
Give Words
Give words, kind words, to those who err;
Remorse doth need a comforter.
Though in temptation's wiles they fall,
Condemn not we are sinners all.
With the sweet charity of speech,
Give words that heal, and words that teach.
A Word
A little word in kindness spoken,
A motion or a tear,
Has often healed the heart that's broken,
And made a friend sincere.
A word, a look, has crushed to earth
Full many a budding flower,
Which, had a smile but owned its birth,
Would bless life's darkest hour,
Then deem it not an idle thing
A pleasant word to speak;
The face you wear, the thoughts you bring,
A heart may heal or break.
Words Make A Difference
The words you say,
Can make or break a person's day.
The tone that you use
Is up to you to choose.
You see words make a difference
They can mean rejection or acceptance.
They can hurt a person's feelings
Or leave a person reeling.
Think before you speak, is good advice
Like our Moms have said, be nice.
Words can offer support
They don't need to be long, they can be short.
Encourage others by the words you use
And if you can't say something nice, then yourself excuse.
In all situations in life, words do matter
They are not just chatter!
A Hasty Word
We should go through life as the traveler
Goes through the Swiss mountains;
A hasty word may bring down an avalanche
A misstep may plunge us over a precipice.
The Power Of Words
Oh, the power of words, how they enchant!
With each syllable, a world is born,
Capable of both hurt and embrace,
Criticism's sting or encouragement's embrace.
They wield the strength to tear down or build,
Blame's sharp sword or forgiveness distilled.
Yet in this mighty force, hope lies to stay,
For with our own words, we choose our way.
An Idle Word
An idle word may be seemingly harmless in its utterance,
But let it be fanned by passion,
Let it be fed with the fuel of misconception,
Of evil intention, of prejudice, and
It will soon grow into a sweeping fire,
That will melt the chains of human friendship,
That will burn to ashes many cherished hopes,
And blacken more fair names than one.
One Simple Word
It may be glorious to write
Thoughts that shall glad the two or three
High souls, like those far stars that come in sight
Once in a century.
But better far it is to speak
One simple word, which now and then
Shall waken their free nature in the weak
And friendless sons of men.
To write some earnest verse or line,
Which, seeking not the praise of art,
Shall make a clearer faith and manhood smile
In the untutored heart.
He that doth this, in verse or prose,
May be forgotten in his day,
But surely shall be crowned at last with those
Who live and speak for aye.
The Pleasant Word
It is the pleasant word,
The hearty word, that helps,
And a man who has these at his command
Is sure to be a helper to others in the highway of life,
Along which so many are travelers.
A Thing Of Joy To Memory
Oh, let us carry hence, one,
Some kindly word, some look, tone,
Into his after-life, to be
Treasured heart-deep and carried
An echo from the distant sea,
A thing of joy to memory,
In all the years to come!
These Are Not Lost
The look of sympathy, the gentle word,
Spoken so low that only angels heard;
The secret art of pure self-sacrifice,
Unseen by men, but marked by angels' eyes
These are not lost.
The Word Farewell
I never cast a flower away,
The gift of one who cared for me,
A little flower - a faded flower,
But it was done reluctantly.
I never speak the word farewell
But with an utterance faint and broken,
An earth-sick longing for the time
When it shall never more be spoken.
People Liked Him
People liked him, not because
He was rich or known to fame;
He had never won applause
As a star in any game.
His was not a brilliant style.
His was not a forceful way.
But he had a gentle smile
And a kindly word to say.
Never arrogant or proud,
On he went with manner mild;
Never quarrelsome or loud,
Just as simple as a child;
Honest, patient, brave and true:
Thus he lived from day to day.
Doing what he found to do
In a cheerful sort of way
Wasn't one to boast of gold
Or belittle it with sneers,
Didn't change from hot to cold,
Kept his friends throughout the years,
Sort of man you like to meet
Any time or any place.
There was always something sweet
And refreshing in his face.
Sort of man you'd like to be:
Balanced well and truly square;
Patient in adversity.
Generous when his skies were fair.
Never lied to friend or foe.
Never rash in word or deed,
Quick to come and slow to go
In a neighbor's time of need.
Never rose to wealth or fame,
Simply lived, and simply died,
But the passing of his name
Left a sorrow, far and wide.
Not for glory he'd attained.
Nor for what he had of pelf,
Were the friends that he had gained,
But for what he was himself.
Key Reflections About Words
-
Kind words can restore.
When someone has failed or feels regret, gentle words can help them get back up.
-
Words can heal or harm.
A small phrase can comfort a hurting heart, but harsh words can crush hope.
-
Think before you speak.
A pause can save you from regret and keep peace in your home and friendships.
-
Tone matters as much as the message.
The same words can sound caring or cutting depending on how they are said.
-
Choose words that build character.
Over time, steady and honest speech becomes part of who we are.
Popular Pages:
If you found this topic helpful, these popular pages offer more encouragement you can share and revisit.
Find words that help you keep going when you feel tired or discouraged.
Read poems that remind us how small acts of kindness can make a big impact.
Short reminders to speak with care and treat others with respect.
Reflect on quotes that help you appreciate today and live with purpose.
A helpful page for choosing words carefully, especially in hard moments.
Simple encouragement to guide your mind toward hope and gratitude.
Explore classic poems that still offer wisdom and comfort today.
Conclusion
We hope these poems reminded you that words are never just words. They can bring comfort, give courage, and help someone feel seen and valued.
As you go through your day, take a moment to pause before you speak. Choose words that you would want to hear when you need encouragement, and let your voice be a source of kindness.
More Poems of Encouragement to Encourage & Motivate
Before you speak, ask if your words will help, heal, or bring hope, then let them be heard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do words matter so much?
Words shape how people feel, how they respond, and how they remember a moment. A kind word can calm worry, while a harsh word can linger.
How can I learn to speak more kindly?
Pause before you respond. Ask yourself if what you are about to say is true, helpful, and respectful.
What if I said something I regret?
Make it right as soon as you can. A sincere apology and a changed attitude can rebuild trust.