15+ Must-Read Poems about Generosity

(15 to start, 19+ to explore)

Generosity is a fundamental human virtue that finds its poetic expression in verses that celebrate selflessness, compassion, and the act of giving.

Poets compose words that capture the essence of generosity, utilizing imagery and metaphors to convey their power. These poems explore the inherent beauty and abundance that emerge when we extend kindness and share with others.

They delve into the emotions that arise from acts of generosity, emphasizing the connection and sense of fulfillment experienced by both the giver and the receiver.

Through their verses, poets inspire readers to embrace the noble spirit of generosity, recognizing its capacity to foster unity, compassion, and collective well-being.

Poems about Generosity Visual Representation

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The First Disciple of Buddha

by Sujata Bhatt

‘The First Disciple of Buddha’ reveals the transformative effects of human compassion as a path toward spiritual enlightenment.

Another important topic found in Bhatt’s poem is generosity, personified in its most altruistic form by the speaker’s acts of tenderness toward the man. She does not aid the Buddha because of the wisdom he might possess, she does it out of selflessness. The speaker also places no boundaries on their assistance and they treat the man as if he were family. In this way, the poet underscores the value of treating others with such beneficence.

One morning, a tall lean man

stumbled towards me.

His large eyes: half closed

as if he were seasick;

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The Way to Sing

by Helen Hunt Jackson

‘The Way to Sing’ by Helen Hunt Jackson is a touching poem that gleans an altruistic purpose in the music shared by birds.

At various points in the poem, the speaker refers to the "generous wings" of the "common air." This figurative image communicates one of the poem's important themes: that it is the unselfish charity of birdsong that is its most meaningful quality. The fact that such assuaging beauty is spread without prejudice or worse, hoarded, is one of the central points of this poem.

The birds must know. Who wisely sings

Will sing as they;

The common air has generous wings.

Songs make their way.

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Worry About Money

by Kathleen Raine

‘Worry About Money’ by Kathleen Raine follows a woman in a brief moment of her life as she attempts to figure our her next steps.

The poem underscores the significance of giving, even in times of personal scarcity. Despite facing financial hardship, the speaker is urged by love and a sense of duty to share what little they have with others. The reference to the widow's act of giving from her meager resources stresses the idea that generosity transcends material wealth while emphasizing the importance of compassion and selflessness.

Wearing worry about money like a hair shirt

I lie down in my bed and wrestle with my angel.

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How Things Work

by Gary Soto

‘How Things Work’ by Gary Soto is a moving poem that envisions an optimistic perception of the way people support one another through financial altruism.

Generosity is another core topic found within the poem. It is made clear through the speaker's observations that they believe the only thing keeping things going is other people's generosity. We buy things out of need, but when we spend money within a community, it also has the added benefit of uplifting and investing in the people who comprise it.

Today it’s going to cost us twenty dollars

To live. Five for a softball. Four for a book,

A handful of ones for coffee and two sweet rolls,

Bus fare, rosin for your mother’s violin.

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Laughing Song

by William Blake

‘Laughing Song’ from Blake’s collection ‘Songs of Innocence’ celebrates the innocent and pure joy found among nature and children.

Nature's generosity shines through as its elements contribute to the festivities without reservation, evoking sublime joy. The woods, flowing streams, and meadows generously provide a backdrop for the festivities, offering a space where all can gather and rejoice in the beauty of the natural world, symbolizing nature's abundant gifts and the inherent generosity and giving nature of the natural world.

When the green woods laugh with the voice of joy,

And the dimpling stream runs laughing by;

When the air does laugh with our merry wit,

And the green hill laughs with the noise of it;

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Plant a Tree

by Lucy Larcom

‘Plant a Tree’ by Lucy Larcom is a nature and religion-themed poem that speaks about the benefits of planting trees.

Planting a tree is depicted as an act of generosity that extends beyond the self to benefit the current and future inhabitants of the planet. This generosity is not limited to the human beneficiaries but extends to wildlife that finds habitat and sustenance from trees. The poem celebrates this selfless giving as an exemplary form of kindness and foresight.

He who plants a tree

Plants a hope.

Rootlets up through fibres blindly grope;

Leaves unfold into horizons free.

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The Birth of the Building Society – Nationwide Poem

by Stephen Morrison-Burke

The poem used in the Nationwide advert, ‘The Birth of the Building Society’ by Stephen Morrison-Burke, was written to tell the origin story of building societies. It also seeks to differentiate them from banks in customer’s eyes.

Generosity shines through in the poem, reflecting the willingness of people to give their resources so that others could secure housing. This spirit of giving without expecting personal gain highlights the selflessness of early members. The poem suggests that this generosity helped lay the foundation of building societies and continues to inspire their mission today. It shows how even small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference.

no hidden agendas.

Just a simple system that existed solely for the benefit of its members.

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The Night After You Lose Your Job

by Debora Kuan

‘The Night After You Lose Your Job’ by Debora Kuan is a highly relatable poem that takes place in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and features a mother struggling to make ends meet.

The poem shows the mother sharing what she has with another mother in need. This act of kindness brings hope and connection. It highlights the importance of helping others, even when you are struggling. Generosity is shown as a way to find joy and purpose. It is a significant part of the poem.

You know sleep will dart beyond your grasp. Its edges

crude and merciless. You will clutch at straws,

wandering the cold, peopled rooms of

the Internet, desperate for any fix

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Thanksgiving Comes But Once a Year

by Thornton Burgess

‘Thanksgiving Comes But Once a Year’ by Thornton W. Burgess joyfully captures the essence of gratitude and the anticipation of the holiday season.

This poem addresses generosity by showcasing the abundance shared during the celebration. The speaker's well-stocked storehouse implies a surplus, suggesting a willingness to share with others. The communal spirit of Thanksgiving, marked by feasting and gratitude, embodies the theme of generosity, emphasizing the importance of sharing one's abundance with friends, family, and the community.

Thanksgiving comes but once a year,

But when it comes it brings good cheer.

For in my storehouse on this day

Are piles of good things hid away.

#10

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The Shepherd

by William Blake

‘The Shepherd’ by William Blake unveils pastoral splendor, echoing sweet praises, symbolizing innocence, and intertwining nature’s mystique with spirituality.

This poem delves into the topic of generosity through the shepherd's giving nature. The poem implies a selfless dedication to the well-being of the flock, emphasizing the shepherd's watchfulness and care. This portrayal suggests a generous spirit that goes beyond mere provision, symbolizing a kind and nurturing approach within the pastoral landscape.

How sweet is the shepherd’s sweet lot!

From the morn to the evening he strays;

He shall follow his sheep all the day,

And his tongue shall be filled with praise.

#11

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Shut Not Your Doors to Me Proud Libraries

by Walt Whitman

‘Shut Not Your Doors to Me Proud Libraries’ by Walt Whitman is a poem about the imperative of a poet to share their art with the world for its benefit.

A topic touched on in Walt Whitman's poem, somewhat briefly, is this notion of generosity. The speaker doesn't just plea to be let into the canon of libraries; they also view their arrival there as beneficial to the institutions themselves. The speaker makes a point to explain that they come to give their book freely to them as a generous gift.

Shut not your doors to me, proud libraries,

For that which was lacking among you all, yet needed most, I bring;

A book I have made for your dear sake, O soldiers,

And for you, O soul of man, and you, love of comrades;

#12

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Thanksgiving Day Parade

by Jack Prelutsky

‘Thanksgiving Day Parade’ celebrates holiday spirit amid challenges, evoking joy, resilience, and nostalgia through whimsical imagery.

The poem alludes to generosity by celebrating the communal joy and spirit of the parade. The holiday season often emphasizes generosity and giving, and the arrival of Santa Claus in the poem symbolizes this tradition. While not overt, the poem indirectly suggests that the act of celebrating and sharing in the festivities is a form of generosity in itself, fostering a sense of community and togetherness during Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Day is here today,

the great parade is under way,

and though it's drizzling quite a bit,

I'm sure that I'll see all of it.

#13

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Santa Filomena

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

‘Santa Filomena’ explores the transformative power of noble deeds and thoughts, bringing light and solace amidst suffering.

'Santa Filomena' explores the topic of generosity through its portrayal of the lady with a lamp and her selfless actions. The poem emphasizes the transformative power of noble deeds and the impact of generosity on those in need. The depiction of the lady's compassion and her ability to bring light and solace exemplifies the profound generosity that can uplift and inspire others.

Whene’er a noble deed is wrought

Whene’er is spoken a noble thought

Our hearts, in glad surprise,

To higher levels rise.

#14

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Spring Letter

by Carl Dennis

Carl Dennis’s ‘Spring Letter’ reflects on change and introspection, finding beauty in everyday moments and the pursuit of personal growth.

The poem looks into the topic of generosity through the act of rewarding oneself for reaching old age, symbolizing the celebration of life's milestones and self-appreciation. The mention of the "endless starry virtues" of the stars pouring down on the speaker's head conveys a sense of cosmic abundance and the generosity of the universe, evoking themes of gratitude and appreciation for life's simple pleasures.

With the warmer days the shops on Elmwood

Stay open later, still busy long after sundown.

It looks like the neighborhood’s coming back.

Gone are the boarded storefronts that you interpreted,

#15

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A Thanksgiving Poem

by Paul Laurence Dunbar

In grateful hymns, Dunbar lauds God’s mercy, human flaws, and divine abundance in a harmonious ode.

In his poem, the poet addresses generosity through the poem's emphasis on abundant blessings. The poet's gratitude for bountiful harvests and divine protection highlights God's generous nature. The image of God's open hand scattering blessings reflects His boundless generosity. The poem underscores the concept of giving and receiving, invoking a sense of awe and appreciation for the abundant gifts bestowed.

The sun hath shed its kindly light,

Our harvesting is gladly o’er

Our fields have felt no killing blight,

Our bins are filled with goodly store.

Home » Collection » Poems about Generosity

15+ Must-Read Poems about Generosity

(15 to start, 19+ to explore)

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15+ Must-Read Poems about Generosity

(15 to start, 19+ to explore)

by Sujata Bhatt

by Helen Hunt Jackson

by Kathleen Raine

by Gary Soto

by William Blake

by Lucy Larcom

by Stephen Morrison-Burke

by Debora Kuan

by Thornton Burgess

by William Blake

by Walt Whitman

by Jack Prelutsky

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

by Carl Dennis

by Paul Laurence Dunbar

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