Poems of Progress

"Poems of Progress" by Lizzie Doten is a compilation of poems from the late 1800s that covers topics like spirituality, what it means to be human, and the never-ending search to find what is real and to gain knowledge, probably influenced by the author's role in the Spiritualist movement. In her poems, Doten writes about deep feelings and problems in society, showing how much she believes in the power of love to change things and how much potential people have. Early on, the author tells the reader about her "Declaration of Faith," stating strongly that she believes in Spiritualism and the good it has done for society, and defends it against those who criticize it by pointing out that it tries to make people better and encourages love and kindness, setting the stage for poems about life, death, and what really makes us who we are.