Capricorn season is in full swing, which is great news for the ambitious writers in our mix. Ruled by Saturn, Capricorns are the “taskmasters” of the zodiac—ready and willing to get things done. As such, Capricorn season is known to fill the atmosphere with the energy of discipline, resourcefulness, and zeal. To help you channel that inspiring Capricorn energy no matter your star sign, we’ve selected seven poems that capture the true spirit of the Capricorn.
“Aspiration” by Emily Dickinson
“We never know how high we are / Till we are called to rise” begins this invigorating poem. In just eight lines, Dickinson challenges us to reach our highest potential. Rather than fearing the power we could wield, this poem encourages readers to embrace their capacity for greatness on a daily basis.
“Success” by Rupi Kaur
There’s no “i” in success, and Kaur demonstrates that beautifully in this short and sweet poem from her collection milk and honey. Rather than keeping the fruits of our labor to ourselves, the speaker encourages us to share with our friends, family, and community. “I need to be successful to gain enough milk and honey to help those around me succeed,” she writes.
“If—” by Rudyard Kipling
Kipling makes the case for stoicism and discipline in this paternal poem (originally written to his son, John). The poem demonstrates how a cool head, a steady hand, and a steadfast nature will pay off in the end. “If you can dream—and not make your dreams your master…If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster…” he writes, “…Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it.”
“Industry” by Charles Eugene Banks
“So wisdom, gained by light of midnight oil, / Gives richest recompense to patient toil,” writes Banks in this brief but empowering poem. A newspaper editor, poet, playwright, and author, Banks was a firm believer that hard work, study, and patience are the keys to success—regardless of your industry.
“There is No Rest For Success” by Felix Lugo
“Every beginner is a winner,” according to this motivating poem. Lugo’s words offer us an important reminder that success isn’t just about the destination, it’s about what we gain on the road thereto. Though it may feel like our aspirations are stationary, they’re truly a moving target. We must be flexible and enduring as we work towards our goals.
“Dreams” by Langston Hughes
As musical as it is inspirational, “Dreams” by Langston Hughes is a heartening reminder that having dreams, goals, and aspirations keeps life vivid and dynamic. Hughes encourages us to challenge ourselves and reach for something greater as he writes “for when dreams go / life is a barren field / frozen with snow.”
“Don’t Quit” by Edgar A. Guest
“Success is failure turned inside out…” is perhaps the most quotable phrase in this supportive poem. Throughout, Guest acknowledges that we will face many challenges in our lives—some slow and steady, some a surprise. But in the end, Guest says that it’s when things are hardest that we must persevere—as each challenge means you’re that much closer to reaching your goal.
