Popular Poem Categories:
Occasion & Holiday Poems:
The Successful Man
What does it take to be successful? Is it hard work, determination, or the courage to keep going when others criticize? In his poem, The Successful Man, David V. Bush reminds us that success does not always bring praise. Sometimes those who work the hardest face the greatest criticism.
The second poem, The Way To Win, offers another encouraging message. It reminds us that setbacks do not have to mean defeat. With determination, a positive attitude, and the willingness to keep trying, we can overcome many of life's challenges.
May these two poems inspire you to believe in your abilities, work toward your goals, and never allow the opinions of others to discourage you from doing your best.
Updated October 21, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
The Successful Man
Poet: David V. Bush
Successful men are always kicked, they're kicked with envious wrath,
No matter what their line may be, on life's laborious path.
The man who wins is always kicked, they kick him black and blue;
He's thumped with "mud" and "rotten-egged"; gets number fourteen shoe.
Because he's always on the job; industrious at his work,
Because he plods and plugs away, while other men may shirk.
Because he puts more in his work and gets more in return;
And stirs things up and gets things done, he's kicked by those who yearn.
The men who set the world ahead are kicked in jealous spite!
They lift us to a higher plane, but feel green envy's blight;
No matter, sir, what lives they save, no matter what they give,
If they do more than other men, they're punctured like a sieve.
If you're not kicked, I wonder now if you have lost your hope?
Do you play fair and do your best, or sulk and grunt and mope?
If you're not kicked, you won't rise far; so man get in the game.
And let them kick you all around — kick hard until they're lame.
So do your work and play your game — play fair and hard all day;
And let the townsmen wag their tongues, the gossips have their say,
And never mind their cutting ways, nor see that surly frown,
For in the end you'll beat them all — although you're oft kicked down!
The Way To Win
There will be times when things do not go as planned, and giving up may seem easier than trying again. In The Way To Win, David V. Bush reminds us that setbacks are not the end of the road. His words encourage us to face difficulties with determination, keep a positive attitude, and never stop believing that success is possible.
Poet: David V. Bush
When your hat is "in the ring,"
Don't give up the fight.
Jump right in, begin to sing,
Sing with all your might.
Don't get sour, let each hour
See you work and fight.
You can't sing? Do the next thing,
Smile, from left to right.
Smile and fight, fight and sing;
Fight with all your might.
When your hat is in the ring,
Don't give up the fight.
Are you beat? That's no defeat!
Don't give up the fight.
"Down and out?" O pshaw! Just shout;
On your job, then light.
Pound and thump; yes, dig and jump,
Don't give up the fight.
No defeat! You've never beat
When you're in the right.
Don't you stop, your vim don't drop,
Plug with all your might.
Sour awhile? Then start to smile,
Jump right in, begin to sing.
Smile - keep up the fight.
If your hat's not in the ring,
Throw it there and fight.
Some have won, but when begun
They were in a plight.
Buckle in, keep up your grin,
Make your troubles hike.
Smile and grin, for grit and vim
Win in any fight.
Don't you quit, and don't you sit
Till all are on the flight.
Throw your hat into the ring,
Throw it there and fight.
Grip your nerve, never swerve,
When you're in the fight.
Grit your teeth, for underneath
Gold is out of sight
Gold and fame in this big game.
Just keep up the fight.
Never mind if man's unkind,
You'll get out all right.
Failed today? That's nothing, say
Just keep up the fight
You will see your failures flee
Flee clear out of sight.
Keep your hat there in the ring!
Don't give up the fight!
Key Reflections In These Poems
- Success may bring criticism. Not everyone will celebrate your achievements, and some may question your efforts. What matters most is knowing that you have worked honestly and done your best.
- Determination makes a difference. Success rarely comes without challenges or disappointments. When you keep trying despite difficulties, you give yourself another opportunity to succeed.
- Always do your best. David V. Bush reminds us to work hard and play fair, regardless of what others may say. The satisfaction of doing a job well is worth more than the approval of those who criticize.
- A setback is not the end. Failure does not mean that your efforts have been wasted. Every experience can teach you something that helps you move forward.
- Keep a positive attitude. Even during difficult times, a smile and a hopeful outlook can help us face another day. Our attitude often determines whether we continue trying or allow discouragement to hold us back.
Popular Pages
If you enjoyed these poems, explore more encouraging words about success, determination, hard work, and overcoming life's challenges.
Find more uplifting lines on our Success Poem page, where the focus is on effort, purpose, and reaching goals.
For quick reminders that keep you going, visit our Success Quotes collection.
When you need a lift on a tough day, our Poems Of Encouragement offer hope you can hold on to.
Sometimes a few words help the most, and our Encouragement Quotes are perfect for that.
Hard work has its own lessons, and our Poems About Work speak to effort, attitude, and daily strength.
For a stronger push to keep going, explore our Motivational Poems page.
Discover more well known writers on our Famous Poets page, where lasting words still speak today.
If you like poems about persistence and results, visit our Poems About Winning collection.
Conclusion
The Successful Man and The Way To Win remind us that success is not always easy. There will be criticism, disappointments, and times when we question whether our efforts are worthwhile. But David V. Bush encourages us to keep working, play fair, and never allow the opinions of others to determine what we can accomplish.
We may not always succeed on our first attempt, and we cannot expect everyone to support our dreams. What we can do is give our best effort, learn from our mistakes, and keep moving forward. Remember, a setback today does not mean you cannot succeed tomorrow.
More David V. Bush Poems to Inspire