Question

Read aloud the following lines from the poem.

Don’t Quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
when the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
when the funds are low and the debts are high,
and you want to smile but you have to sigh,
when care is pressing you down a bit—rest if you must,
but don’t you quit.

Edgar Albert Guest

Now, read the lines of the poem once again by taking a shorter pause (/) or a long pause (//). Notice which version is easier for a listener to follow and understand.

When things go wrong,/as they sometimes will,// 
when the road you’re trudging/seems all uphill,// 
when the funds are low/and the debts are high,// 
and you want to smile/but you have to sigh,// 
when care is pressing you down a bit/—rest if you must,/ 
but don’t you quit.//

Have you listened to this song in Hindi or in your language? Share with your classmates and teacher.

Answer 1

Yes. This poem is also popularly known in Hindi through motivational versions based on the idea “हार मत मानो” or “कभी हार मत मानो”.

I have heard a similar motivational poem/song in Hindi. Its message is that we should not give up when we face difficulties. We should rest if necessary, gather courage, and continue trying until we succeed.