Free Printable Don’t Quit Poem | Motivational Resource – Looking for a free printable of the classic “Don’t Quit” poem? This timeless motivational piece has encouraged generations of Americans facing tough times—whether in school, work, sports, recovery, or everyday challenges. The poem reminds readers that setbacks are temporary and success often lies just beyond the hardest stretch.
Because the work is widely regarded as being in the public domain (published in the early 1920s), you can freely print, share, and display it for personal use without copyright restrictions.
About the “Don’t Quit” Poem
The poem is most commonly attributed to Edgar A. Guest (1881–1959), the British-born American poet known as the “People’s Poet.” He first published a version titled “Keep Going” in March 1921 in the Detroit Free Press. Some versions have also been linked to John Greenleaf Whittier or listed as anonymous, but the Guest attribution is the most widely accepted among reliable sources.
Its simple language and direct message of perseverance make it a favorite for classroom walls, office desks, gyms, recovery groups, and home décor across the United States.
The Full “Don’t Quit” Poem
Here is the complete text of the popular version:
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.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a fellow turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow—
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than it seems
To a faint and faltering man;
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor’s cup;
And he learned too late when the night came down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out—
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit—
It’s when things seem worst, you must not quit.
Free Printable Don’t Quit Poem | Motivational Resource
Where to Get a Free Printable Version?
Since the poem is in the public domain, the simplest free option is to copy the text above into a Word document or Google Doc, format it with a clean font (such as Georgia or Garamond), add spacing, and print it on letter-size paper or cardstock. Many people then frame the print for a desk or wall.
For ready-to-view online versions you can print directly from your browser:
- Read the full poem with helpful context and key messages on Stress Less Country’s Don’t Quit page.
- View a clean presentation of the poem (noting its public-domain status) at Crushendo’s Don’t Quit poem page.
- Download free “Don’t Quit” writing prompts that include the full poem text from Chelsea Palermo’s free resources.
These sites provide legitimate, no-cost access to the poem. Avoid sites that require payment or claim exclusive rights to the text itself, as the original work is free to use.
Practical Tips for Using Your Printable
- Print on high-quality paper or cardstock for a polished look.
- Use a simple, readable font size (12–18 pt) so the lines stay clear when framed.
- Pair it with a motivational image or leave it text-only for a classic feel.
- Great for classrooms, locker rooms, home offices, journals, or gift enclosures.
- Laminate a copy if you plan to post it in a high-traffic area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote the Don’t Quit poem?
Edgar A. Guest is the most commonly credited author based on its 1921 publication. Some older attributions point to other writers or list it as anonymous.
Is the Don’t Quit poem free to print and share?
Yes. The widely circulated version is considered public domain in the United States, so personal printing, framing, and non-commercial sharing are allowed.
Where can I find more information about the poem?
Trusted pages such as the ones linked above provide the full text along with background on its history and message of perseverance.