Instructions on Not Giving Up

“The Conditional” by Ada Limón (2013)

This poem is a plea to a lover to remain despite the disappointments life might offer. The poem uses nature imagery like “Instructions on Not Giving Up,” albeit of a more destructive sort. Limón employs a similar theme about resilience and appreciating the moment despite its not being ideal. Even if the worst comes to pass—“we never get to see it: bright / future, stuck like a bum star” (Lines 9-10)—the poet hopes the lover will “still want this: us alive” (Line 17).

“How to Triumph Like a Girl” by Ada Limón (2015)

This poem appeared in the collection Bright Dead Things, and like “Instructions on Not Giving Up” it uses an extended metaphor taken from the natural world. Here the poet notes that the strong heart of a female horse lies inside her tiny body. It knows she will triumph despite the odds. This poem centers on resilience like “Instructions on Not Giving Up” but is a more brash take on that theme.

“The Leash” by Ada Limón (2018)

This poem is also from The Carrying and again deals with despair at life’s difficulties. Limón points out the cruelties of war, the hate people perpetuate, the poisoning of the Earth.