Poems About Happiness

By Catherine Pulsifer, updated September 10, 2024

Inspirational Poems    /  

Happiness in Simplicity Poems

Exploring how happiness often comes from the simple joys in life, as reflected in these poems.



1. 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.




2. Pursuit of Happiness
   by Drummond
   
   Half the world is on the wrong scent
   in the pursuit of happiness.
   They think it consists in having and getting,
   and in being served by others.
   It consists in giving and in serving others.




3. Where Is Happiness
   Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
   
   A job, a car, a house, or two
   Are they the things that bring happiness to you?
   Where do I find this happiness thing?
   Can someone to me it bring?
   
   Does it mean I will laugh a lot?
   Or, does it mean riches will never part
   Is it a thing or just a feeling
   Like being hot or absolutely freezing?
   
   Where do I find this happiness?
   They say it is like gold, so precious.
   Look no further than in your heart
   It is how you feel and what you impart.
   
   You see if you are content with life
   If you brush off the strife
   And find joy in the little things
   You will find happiness will sing.
   
   Your attitude plays a role too
   It is the lens you view life through
   Is your focus on the positive
   Or, do you only see the negative?
   
   You choose with heart and mind
   Whether you find happiness or whether you stay blind.
   Open your eyes, count your blessings that surround
   And you will find a happiness that compounds.





Related: Simplicity Poem

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Happiness in the Power of Kindness and Giving Poems

Understanding how acts of kindness and generosity lead to deep happiness, expressed in these poems.



4. Let Us Do Good
   Poet: Daniel C. Colesworthy
   
   Let us do good. How sweet the thought,
   We have the wretched blest —
   Threw smiles upon a clouded brow,
   And sunshine in the breast
   
   To know we've dried a single tear,
   And made one moment bright —
   Or struck a feeble spark to cheer
   The darkest hour of night —
   
   Will give to us more joy at last
   Than Caesar's triumphs gave;
   The memory of such deeds will live
   In worlds beyond the grave.
   
   Then in the little sphere we move,
   Let kindness touch the heart;
   While every word shall lead to love
   And happiness impart.




5. Act Of Happiness
   by Maurice Materlinck
   
   Let us never forget that an act of goodness
   is of itself an act of happiness.
   No reward coming after the event
   can compare with the sweet reward
   that went with it.
   
   Let your task be to render yourself worthy of love,
   and this even more for your own happiness
   than for that of another’s.







6. Happiness
   Poet: Nannie H. Woodruff
   
   I hold that human happiness,
   If built on self, is nothing worth
   That bliss translated means to bless
   Some other denizen of earth.
   
   The selfish man who lives alone
   For greed of gain for paltry pelf,
   Knows not his heart has turned to stone
   That blindly he defrauds himself.
   
   He might have won a wealth of love
   By kindly acts and words of cheer
   And joy, all other joys above
   A needy neighbor's grateful tear.
   
   For deeds of loving kindness will
   In reflex influence return
   To render kind hearts kinder still,
   To make love's flame still brighter burn.
   
   Who solely lived to please himself
   E'er aught but disappointment found?
   Pleasure's a sly, deceitful elf,
   Who hides her chains until you're bound.
   
   Oh, men are dull of heart and cold,
   And find His lesson hard to learn
   Who came the secret to unfold
   How peace is found for which they yearn.
   
   Love's the fulfilling of the law,
   For love is law, and law is love;
   If our old earth this mandate saw
   Fulfilled, 'twould be like heaven above.
   
   Then build your hope of happiness
   Upon the rock of His command
   Who gave His all your life to bless,
   Or find you've built upon the sand.


Related: Kindness Poems    |     Giving Poems

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Inner Peace and Self-Reflection for Happiness Poems

Discovering the connection between self-reflection and finding inner peace for happiness, as illustrated in these poems.



7. Happiness Is When
   by William Arthur Ward
   
   Happiness is our heritage when
   Faith becomes our constant companion;
   Self-discipline our tireless teacher;
   Integrity our competent coach;
   Truth our trusted tutor;
   Discernment our careful critic;
   Optimism our able advisor;
   Goodness our gifted guide;
   Beauty our infallible inspiration;
   And love our blissful benediction.




8. Your Own Making
   Poet: T. L. Cuyler
   
   Bear in mind that your happiness or your misery
   is very much of your own making.
   
   You cannot create spiritual sunlight any more than
   you can create the morning star;
   but you can put your soul where Christ is shining.
   
   Keep a clean conscience.
   Keep a good stock of God's promises within reach.
   Keep a nightingale of hope in your soul that
   can sing away the dark hours when they do come.







9. Make Your Happiness
   Poet: Julie Hebert, © 2012
   
   When you feel,
   Life isn't true.
   Keep in mind,
   Life's truth is you.
   
   You make your path,
   From here to there.
   It's up to you,
   To dream and care.
   
   No one else can,
   Make you happy.
   So get right on it,
   And make it snappy.
   
   Life's too short,
   To waste your day.
   I truly hope,
   You get out and celebrate today!


Related: Life Journey Poems

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The Joy of Connection Poems

Celebrating the happiness that comes from meaningful relationships and connections, highlighted in these poems.



10. The Clown’s Prayer
    Poet: Unknown
    
    As I stumble through this life,
    Help me create more laughter than tears,
    Dispense more happiness than gloom,
    Spread more cheer than despair.
    
    Never let me become so indifferent,
    That I will fail to see the wonders in the eyes of the child.
    Or the twinkle in the eyes of the aged.
    Never let me forget that my total effort is to cheer people,
    Make them feel happy, and forget momentarily,
    all the unpleasantness in their lives.
    
    And in my final moment, may I hear you whisper:
    When you made my people smile, you made me smile.




Happiness Quotes



11. Happiness
    by Priscilla Leonard
    
    Happiness is like a crystal,
    Fair and exquisite and clear,
    Broken in a million pieces,
    Shattered, scattered far and near.
    Now and then along life's pathway,
    Lo! some shining fragments fall;
    But there are so many pieces
    No one ever finds them all.
    
    You may find a bit of beauty,
    Or an honest share of wealth,
    While another just beside you
    Gathers honor, love or health.
    Vain to choose or grasp unduly,
    Broken is the perfect ball;
    And there are so many pieces
    No one finds them all.
    
    Yet the wise as on the journey,
    Treasure every fragment clear,
    Fit them as they may together,
    Imaging the shattered sphere,
    Learning ever to be thankful,
    Though their share of it is small;
    For it has so many pieces
    No one ever finds them all.




12. The Right Road
    Poet: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
    
    I have lost the road to happiness,
    Does any one know it, pray?
    I was dwelling there when the morn was fair,
    But somehow I wandered away.
    
    I saw rare treasures in scenes of pleasures,
    I ran to pursue them, when lo!
    I had lost the path to happiness,
    And knew not whither to go.
    
    I have lost the way to happiness,
    O, who will lead me back?
    Turn off from the highway of selfishness
    To the right, up duty's track.
    
    Keep straight along, and you can't go wrong;
    For as sure as you live, I say,
    The fair lost fields of happiness
    Can only be found that way.


Related: Poems About Joy

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Happiness Through Positivity Poems

Embracing a positive mindset as a key to sustained happiness, featured in these uplifting poems.



13. Smile
    Poet: Unknown
    
    Smile, and the world smiles with you,
    Knock and you go alone;
    For the cheerful grin
    Will let you in
    Where the kicker is never known.
    
    Growl, and the way looks dreary;
    Laugh, and the path is bright,
    For the welcome smile
    Brings sunshine, while
    A frown shuts out the light.
    
    Sing, and the world's harmonious!
    Grumble, and things go wrong.
    Yet all the time
    You are out of rhyme
    With the busy, bustling throng.
    
    Kick, and there's trouble brewing;
    Whistle, and life is gay.
    And the world's in tune
    Like a day in June,
    And sorrow will melt away.




Poems About Laughter



14. Live Each Hour
    by Kay Cammer
    
    I live each hour
    As I find it.
    This hour is lovely -
    Those behind it
    Were sometimes minus
    Warm smiles or bliss
    But I'm unconcerned;
    I'll never miss,
    Or waste time over,
    What-might-have-beens,
    Happiness is now
    When the hour begins.




15. What Good Is A
    Poet: Julie Hebert, © 2012
    
    I can tell you,
    One true thing,
    What good is winter,
    If there is no spring?
    
    I can tell you,
    Another great thing,
    What good is a voice,
    If you will not sing?
    
    I can tell you,
    One more thing,
    What good is a swing,
    If the children they won't bring?
    
    There are many things in this world,
    That are made better by another.
    So next time you are feeling blue,
    Find your other, and see it through.


Related: Positive Poems

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Gratitude and Contentment Poems

How practicing gratitude and contentment enhances our sense of happiness, as portrayed in these poems.



16. To Live Content
    Poet: William Henry Channing
    
    To live content with small means;
    To seek elegance rather than luxury,
    And refinement rather than fashion,
    To be worthy, not respectable,
    And wealthy, not rich;
    To study hard, think quietly,
    Talk gently, act frankly,
    To listen to stars and birds,
    To babes and sages,
    With open heart,
    To bear all cheerfully,
    To all bravely await occasions,
    Hurry never.
    In a word, to let the spiritual unbidden
    And unconscious grow up through the common.
    This is to be my symphony.







17. If You Can
    by Francis M. Scott
    
    If you can to some others give
    A happy hour,
    It will be happiness for you,
    A fragrant flower.




18. Poor Sort Of Happiness
    Poet: George Eliot
    
    It is only a poor sort of happiness that could ever come
    By caring very much about our own narrow pleasures.
    We can only have the highest happiness by having wide thoughts,
    And much feeling for the rest of the world,
    As well as ourselves;
    And this sort of happiness often brings so much pain with it
    That we can only tell it from pain by its being what
    We would choose before everything else,
    Because our souls see it is good.


Related: Gratitude Poems    |     Poems About Contentment

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The Role of Faith in Happiness Poems

Reflecting on how faith  can foster lasting happiness, as captured in these poems.



19. Looking For Happiness
    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer, © 2020
    
    Many people are looking for
    Happiness behind any door
    Happiness they want to find
    Happiness of any kind.
    
    Happiness is not something outside
    It is an attitude you can provide
    Your happiness is not down the road
    And, it doesn't mean an easy load.
    
    Happiness is found in you
    How you look at life and what you do
    You decide each day, you see
    How happy you will be?




20. Happiness
    by James Lane Allen
    
    All high happiness has in it some element of love;
    all love contains a desire for peace.
    One immediate effect of new happiness is to make us
    turn toward the past with a wish to straighten out its difficulties,
    heal its breaches and forgive its wrongs.







21. Road To Happiness
    Poet: Grenville Kleiser
    
    The road to daily happiness
    Is not so hard to find,
    You walk ahead serenely
    And leave your cares behind.
    
    A word of cheer upon your lips
    A ready hand to give,
    A smiling face, a snatch of song
    Will help you well to live.
    
    The love you give to others
    The good that you may do,
    The helping hand you proffer
    Will bring happiness to you.
    
    The road to daily happiness
    Is not so hard to find,
    It's what you do for others
    That brings true peace of mind.


Related: Poems About Faith

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about finding and maintaining happiness, answered with thoughtful insights.

• How can poems help me feel happier?
  Poetry has a unique way of capturing emotions and experiences, offering readers a sense of connection and comfort. By reading poems about happiness, you engage with language that reflects positive feelings, gratitude, and joy. This can help shift your mindset, remind you of life's beauty, and encourage you to focus on the positive aspects of your life.




• Can poems about happiness improve my mood?
  Yes, reading poems that emphasize happiness, gratitude, and positivity can help elevate your mood. Just as music or art can influence how you feel, poetry’s rhythm, language, and imagery have a calming or uplifting effect, providing a temporary escape or a renewed perspective on life’s challenges.




• Can reading poems about happiness reduce stress?
  Yes, reading poetry, especially about positive emotions like happiness, can have a therapeutic effect. Poetry allows for mindful reflection, giving you space to process emotions in a healthy way. Engaging with poems that focus on joy, peace, and contentment can promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and provide a mental break from stress.




• Do happiness poems focus on personal or universal joy?
  Happiness poems often touch on both personal and universal joy. Some poems highlight individual moments of happiness, such as a walk through nature or the feeling of contentment in solitude, while others explore broader, more universal themes like love, connection, or spiritual fulfillment, which resonate with a wide audience.




• How can I use poetry to cultivate a more positive mindset?
  To cultivate a positive mindset, you can incorporate reading poetry into your daily routine. Choose poems that emphasize gratitude, mindfulness, and joy, and reflect on how they resonate with your own experiences. Writing your own poems about happiness can also be a powerful exercise in self-reflection, helping you focus on the positive aspects of life and reinforce a habit of optimism.




• Are there any copyright restrictions on these poems?
  Yes, all of our poems are copyrighted. However, if you wish to use one of our poems for personal use you have our permission and they are free to use. However, if the poems are for commercial use please contact us for guidelines and permission.




• Can I submit a poem about happiness to be published:
  Yes, see our submission guidelines, how to submit, and the review process on our submit a poem page.

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