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The Roads of Happiness
A thoughtful poem by Edgar A. Guest about finding happiness through love, kindness, faith, and the simple joys of life.
What makes us truly happy? Is it having more money, being successful, or receiving praise from others? While these things may bring temporary pleasure, lasting happiness is often found in the simple moments we share with the people we love.
In The Roads of Happiness, Edgar A. Guest reminds us that a happy life is not measured by wealth or fame. It is found in kindness, faith, loyal friendships, and the time we spend with family. His words encourage us to appreciate what we have and remember that some of life's greatest blessings cannot be bought.
Updated October 14, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
The Roads of Happiness
Poet: Edgar A. Guest
The roads of happiness are not
The selfish roads of pleasure seeking,
Where cheeks are flushed with haste and hot
And none has time for kindly speaking.
But they're the roads where lovers stray,
Where wives and husbands walk together
And children romp along the way
Whenever it is pleasant weather.
The roads of happiness are trod
By simple folks and tender-hearted,
By gentle folks that worship God
And want to live their days unparted.
There kindly people stop and talk,
Regardless of the chase for money,
There, arm in arm, the grown-ups walk
And every eye you see is sunny.
The roads of happiness are lined,
Not with the friends of royal splendor,
But with the loyal friends and kind
That do the gentle deeds and tender.
There fame has never brought unrest
Nor glory set men's hearts to aching;
There unabandoned is life's best
For selfish love and money making.
The roads of happiness are those
That do not lead to pomp and glory
But wind among the joys and woes
That make the humble toiler's story.
The roads that oft we used to tread
In early days when first we mated,
When hearts were light and cheeks were red,
And days were not with burdens freighted.
Key Reflections In This Poem
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Happiness is found in the people we love.
Guest reminds us that time spent with family and friends brings a joy that money cannot buy. Walking together, sharing a conversation, and enjoying each other's company are blessings worth appreciating.
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Kindness makes life more meaningful.
A kind word or a thoughtful deed may seem small, but it can make a difference in someone's day. When we take time for others, we often find happiness ourselves.
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Faith gives us direction.
The poem speaks of people who worship God and live with gentle hearts. Faith can help us remember what matters most and encourage us to treat others with love and understanding.
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A simple life can be a happy life.
We do not need fame, wealth, or recognition to find contentment. Sometimes the greatest happiness comes from being thankful for the life we already have.
Popular Pages
If you enjoyed this poem, you may also find encouragement in these poems and quotes about happiness, contentment, and appreciating the simple things in life.
Find encouragement and hope in these Inspirational Poems that remind us to appreciate life and look for the good in each day.
Discover more ways to appreciate life's blessings with these Poems About Being Happy that celebrate everyday joy.
Find uplifting reminders about what brings true joy through these Happiness Quotes that encourage a grateful heart.
Learn to appreciate what you already have with these Poems About Contentment that celebrate peace and simple living.
Brighten your outlook with these Quotes About Being Happy that remind us to find joy in ordinary moments.
Enjoy another thoughtful perspective on life's blessings in The Little Roads To Happiness, a poem about finding joy along life's quieter paths.
Share a little happiness with someone through these Smile Poems that remind us how much a simple smile can mean.
Discover the blessings of living with less and appreciating more through these Poems About Living A Simple Life.
Conclusion
The Roads of Happiness reminds us that we do not have to travel far or accomplish great things to find joy. Sometimes happiness is as close as our family, a good friend, or a kind word shared with someone who needs encouragement.
Edgar A. Guest's words encourage us to think about the road we are following. Are we so busy chasing success that we forget to enjoy the people and blessings already in our lives? May this poem remind us to slow down, show kindness, and be thankful for the simple things. Often, these are the very things that make life so wonderful.
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