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The Whistler
A cheerful poem by Nixon Waterman reminding us that a positive attitude can make life's troubles easier to face.
Have you ever met someone who always seems to have a smile, no matter what is happening around them? They may have worries and difficulties just like everyone else, yet they choose to look for something good in each day. Their cheerful attitude often has a way of lifting the spirits of those around them.
In his poem, The Whistler, Nixon Waterman reminds us that our attitude makes a difference in how we face life's challenges. Through the example of a happy boy who whistles his cares away, the poet encourages us not to let every problem take away our joy.
Of course, we cannot avoid all of life's troubles, and there will be times when we feel discouraged. But we can choose how we respond to many of the difficulties we face. Sometimes a smile, a little laughter, or a more positive thought can help us see things differently.
As you read this short poem, think about how your own attitude affects your day. Imagine how much brighter the world might be if we all shared a little more happiness and encouragement with those around us.
Updated October 12, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
The Whistler
Poet: Nixon Waterman
A boy I know who's never sad,
And come what may he's always glad
Though trouble comes, he sings a merry lay,
So blithe and happy gladdens all the day
With his "Heigh-ho! laughing as I go,"
He whistles care away.
If all the world were like this boy,
We'd banish cares that now annoy; -
O never let a trouble come to stay,
So let us laugh our troubles all away
With a "Heigh-ho! laughing as we go."
We'll whistle the care away.
Key Reflections In This Poem
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Our Attitude Makes a Difference
We may not be able to control every situation in life, but we can often choose how we respond. A positive attitude can help us face difficulties with greater patience and hope.
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Happiness Can Be Shared
The cheerful boy in the poem brings happiness to those around him. Our own smiles, laughter, and encouraging words can also make someone else's day a little brighter.
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Don't Let Every Trouble Take Away Your Joy
Problems are a part of life, but they do not have to occupy every thought. Sometimes finding a reason to smile helps us put our worries into perspective.
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Little Things Can Lift Our Spirits
The boy whistles as he goes about his day, showing that happiness can be found in simple moments. A cheerful song, a kind word, or a little laughter may be just what we need.
About Nixon Waterman
Nixon Waterman was born on November 12, 1859, in Newark, Illinois. He was an American poet and journalist whose writing often focused on encouragement, optimism, and the lessons we can learn from everyday life.
Many of Waterman's poems carried simple but meaningful messages about attitude, determination, and finding happiness. Some of his verses were also set to music, helping his encouraging words reach an even wider audience.
Waterman died on September 1, 1944, but his poetry continues to remind readers that a cheerful outlook and a willingness to keep going can make a difference in life.
Popular Pages
Discover more poems and quotes that encourage optimism, happiness, and a cheerful outlook, even when life brings challenges.
Find encouragement to look for the good in every situation with our Optimistic Poems.
A simple smile can brighten someone's day, as these cheerful Smile Poems remind us.
Celebrate the simple joys that make life brighter with our collection of Poems About Happiness.
Find thoughtful reminders about the power of your outlook in our Attitude Quotes.
When difficulties arise, find words of wisdom and encouragement in our Trouble Quotes.
Keep looking toward brighter possibilities with these uplifting Optimistic Quotes.
Conclusion
The Whistler by Nixon Waterman offers a simple reminder that our attitude can make a difference in our happiness. The boy in the poem does not allow every little trouble to spoil his day. Instead, he whistles, laughs, and carries on, sharing his cheerful spirit with others.
We all have days when things do not go as planned. We may face worries, disappointments, or challenges that seem difficult at the time. But perhaps we can learn something from this happy boy. Rather than allowing every problem to take away our joy, we can look for the good, appreciate what we have, and remember that a little laughter can go a long way.
And who knows? When we approach life with a more positive attitude, we may not only brighten our own day but also bring a little happiness to someone else. That is a lesson worth remembering!
Read more Nixon Waterman Poems to Inspire