Keep Sweet

This is one of the best inspirational poems for children which is written by Strickland W. Gillian. He was a renowned American poet and humorist. Much of the works produced by Gillian can be found on public domains. His works are a reminder of his exceptional way of looking at things and continue to show up on greeting cards. Also, read A Time To Believe.

The poem “Keep Sweet”, makes use of the phrase “keep sweet” after the completion of every stanza. “Keep Sweet” – the phrase means to stay the same. The phrase is usually said to a girl and means to tell them that they are beautiful the way they are.

Inspirational Poems For Children

Don’t be foolish and get sour when things don’t just come your way–
Don’t you be a pampered baby and declare, “Now I won’t play!”
Just go grinning on and bear it;
Have you heartache? Millions share it,
If you earn a crown, you’ll wear it–
Keep sweet.

Don’t go handing out your troubles to your busy fellow-men–
If you whine around they’ll try to keep from meeting you again;
Don’t declare the world’s “agin” you,
Don’t let pessimism win you,
Prove there’s lots of good stuff in you–
Keep sweet.

If your dearest hopes seem blighted and despair looms into view,
Set your jaw and whisper grimly, “Though they’re false, yet I’ll be true.”
Never let your heart grow bitter;
With your lips to Hope’s transmitter,
Hear Love’s songbirds bravely twitter,
“Keep sweet.”

Bless your heart, this world’s a good one, and will always help a man;
Hate, misanthropy, and malice have no place in Nature’s plan.
Help your brother there who’s sighing.
Keep his flag of courage flying;
Help him try–’twill keep you trying–
Keep sweet.

Summary:

This is one of the best inspirational poems for children which begins with the author telling the readers, that if a problem comes your way, do not lose all your bearings and become afraid. With his poem, the author asks the reader’s to not act like pampered children who refuse to play because things do not go their way.

Additionally, the author asks the readers to face their problems with a grin on their faces. The author says that even if you have a heartache, it is fine as millions in the world share it. And if you earn a crown during your hardships, you will get to wear it, which means that only you will enjoy the fruits of your hard work and it will be sweet.

In the next stanza, the author gives advice to women. He asks the women not become pessimistic and asks them not to whine and trouble their fellow men. Because if they do so, then their fellows will not want to see them again. Additionally, the author asks the women to show their positive and strong aspects, which will allow them to keep the company of their friends and men. Also, read Three Things!

In the second last stanza, the author says that if the reader finds their hopes destroyed due to a looming trouble, they should set their jaw tight and fight with their might. The poet asks the readers to believe that they are stronger than the problem. Also, the poet advises the readers not to let their heart grow dark because of the problems they face today, for they are stronger than their problems.

In the end, the poet says that this world is a good one. The world will help those who help themselves. And the feelings of hatred, malice and cynicism find no place in nature. So, help your friend in need, the one who keeps sighing. And keep the flag of courage flying higher than any problem you face today, for you will emerge victorious if you try! Keep Sweet. You may also like to read, A Lesson From History.