7 Expressive Poems about Giving

Giving is a poignant and perennial theme in poetry, delving into the intricacies of selflessness, compassion, and the transformative power of generosity.

Poets deftly craft verses illuminating the essence of giving, utilizing vivid imagery and emotive language to capture the beauty and significance of this charitable endeavor. These poems explore the emotions that arise when we extend a helping hand.

They also utilize the inherent joy and fulfillment found in acts of giving, emphasizing the potential to create positive change, foster empathy, and build stronger communities.

Through their words, poets inspire readers to embrace the inherent nobility of giving, recognizing its ability to uplift, enrich, and shape a more compassionate world.

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Epitaph

by Merrit Malloy

‘Epitaph’ by Merrit Malloy is a beautiful poem about the good that can come out of death. The speaker wants their memory used to make the world a better place.

Giving is central to this poem, with the speaker wishing for their loved ones to show care in their memory. Instead of holding onto sadness, they ask loved ones to spread kindness and help others in need. This focus on giving transforms sorrow into positive action, showing that the best way to honor a person’s memory is through acts of generosity, making their legacy something alive and impactful.

When I die
Give what’s left of me away
To children
And old me that wait to die.

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The Giving Tree

by Shel Silverstein

‘The Giving Tree’ by Shel Silverstein explores unconditional love, sacrifice, and the bittersweet journey of giving without expecting anything back.

Giving is central to the relationship between the boy and the tree. Throughout the poem, the tree gives without expecting anything in return, reflecting unconditional love and generosity. This theme explores how giving can be both fulfilling and painful, as the tree sacrifices parts of itself, expecting no reward other than the boy’s happiness.

Once there was a tree....

and she loved a little boy.

And everyday the boy would come

and he would gather her leaves

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Loving Someone You Can't Have

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Betrothal

by Carol Ann Duffy

This poem adopts a deeply pessimistic view of marriage as Duffy highlights the flaws of patriarchal society.

As the speaker gives and gives, she receives nothing in return. In this satirical poem about marriage, the speaker offers not only her mind and body to her potential husband to mould and change, she also offers her life. Her main avenue of showing her devotion is to express her willingness to die for the marriage. This includes her digging her own grave and drowning herself in a river. After all this giving, Duffy poses a question to the reader: what does a husband have to offer the speaker?

I will say yes, say yes.

I'll sprawl in my dress

on my watery bed.

Make me be wed.

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Have You Earned Your Tomorrow

by Edgar Guest

‘Have You Earned Your Tomorrow’ by Edgar Guest presents a number of probing questions to a reader about how they spend their days.

This poem subtly focuses on giving, not through material things, but through presence, words, and actions. It asks the reader whether they gave hope, encouragement, or even just a kind word. These forms of giving are quiet but meaningful. The poem never uses the word itself, but the message is clear. Giving is shown as something that doesn’t require wealth or effort; just attention and heart. It delivers this without needing to overstate its point.

Is anybody happier because you passed his way?

Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?

This day is almost over, and its toiling time is through;

Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?

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Thanksgiving Prayer

by Susan D. Anderson

In ‘Thanksgiving Prayer,’ Susan D. Anderson humorously celebrates family amidst quirks, contrasting gratitude with turkey’s fate.

The poem interacts with the theme of giving indirectly. It highlights the act of giving thanks rather than material giving. Through the speaker's expressions of gratitude for family members, the poem emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the presence and impact of loved ones in one's life. While it doesn't delve into material giving, it celebrates the idea of giving thanks during the Thanksgiving holiday.

I’m thankful for my mother, and

I’m thankful for my dad.

I’m thankful for my sisters, and

for all the fun we’ve had.

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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.

This poem addresses giving through its theme of gratitude and praise. The poet gives thanks to God for abundant blessings, acknowledging a reciprocal relationship of giving and receiving. The act of offering thanks becomes a form of giving back, reflecting the idea that acknowledging God's gifts is a way of giving in return.

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.

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Jest ‘Fore Christmas

by Eugene Field

‘Jest ‘Fore Christmas’ is a humorous, five-stanza poem that’s written from the perspective of a young boy looking forward to Christmas.

The speaker knows what it takes to get his parents to give him what he wants. He behaves for a certain period just so that his family wants to give him enough Christmas presents.

Father calls me William, sister calls me Will,

Mother calls me Willie, but the fellers call me Bill!

Mighty glad I ain't a girl - ruther be a boy,

Without them sashes, curls, an' things that's worn by Fauntleroy!

Home » Collection » Poems about Giving

7 Expressive Poems about Giving

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7 Expressive Poems about Giving

Epitaph

by Merrit Malloy

The Giving Tree

by Shel Silverstein

Betrothal

by Carol Ann Duffy

Have You Earned Your Tomorrow

by Edgar Guest

Thanksgiving Prayer

by Susan D. Anderson

A Thanksgiving Poem

by Paul Laurence Dunbar

Jest ‘Fore Christmas

by Eugene Field

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