From Year To Year

Life is always moving forward, bringing changes, challenges, and new opportunities along the way. Henry Van Dyke's inspiring poem From Year To Year encourages us to keep looking ahead rather than allowing the past to hold us back.

His words remind us that we cannot know whether the road ahead will be easy or difficult, but we can choose how we travel it. With courage, hope, friendship, and a positive outlook, each stage of life can hold something worthwhile. May this poem encourage you to face the future with a happy heart and believe that the best may still be ahead.

And hope the road's last turn will be the best. Henry Van Dyke

Updated September 29, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

From Year To Year

Poet: Henry Van Dyke

Let me but live my life from year to year,
With forward face and unreluctant soul;
Not hurrying to, nor turning from, the goal;
Not mourning for the things that disappear
In the dim past, nor holding back in fear
From what the future veils; but with a whole
And happy heart, that pays its toll
To Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer.

So let the way wind up the hill or down,
O'er rough or smooth, the journey will be joy:
Still seeking what I sought when but a boy,
New friendship, high adventure, and a crown,
My heart will keep the courage of the quest,
And hope the road's last turn will be the best.

Key Reflections In This Poem

Keep Looking Forward
The past is part of our story, but we do not have to remain there. Van Dyke encourages us to face what lies ahead with hope rather than allowing yesterday's losses or disappointments to hold us back.
Accept Life's Changing Road
Life will take us over both smooth and difficult paths. Rather than fearing every turn, we can accept the journey and find reasons for joy wherever the road takes us.
Hold On To Courage and Hope
Growing older does not mean giving up our sense of adventure or our hopes for tomorrow. The poem reminds us to keep seeking friendship, purpose, and new experiences with courage in our hearts.
Believe The Best May Still Be Ahead
One of the most encouraging thoughts in the poem comes in its final line. No matter where we are in life's journey, we can continue forward with hope that something good may be waiting around the next turn.

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Conclusion

From Year To Year offers a simple but encouraging way to look at life. We cannot change what has already passed, and we cannot see everything waiting for us in the future. What we can do is keep moving forward with courage, hope, and a willingness to enjoy the journey.

Some years will bring smooth roads while others may bring hills to climb, but each one gives us opportunities for friendship, adventure, growth, and joy. May we carry Van Dyke's hopeful attitude with us and continue looking ahead, trusting that the road's next turn may bring something wonderful.

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