ON THE BIRTH OF A CHILD

Lo—to the battle-ground of Life, Child, you have come, like a conquering shout, Out of a struggle—into strife; Out of a darkness—into doubt. Girt with the fragile armor of Youth, Child, you must ride into endless wars, With the sword of protest, the buckler of truth, And a banner of love to sweep the stars.... About you the world’s despair will surge; Into defeat you must plunge and grope— Be to the faltering, an urge; Be to the hopeless years, a hope! Be to the darkened world a flame; Be to its unconcern a blow— For out of its pain and tumult you came, And into its tumult and pain you go. The Independent Louis Untermeyer