LIFE AND YOUTH

Through the archways of Life I tread, Nor do I walk with much less dread, Because I know That where I go, Millions have walked before me. I do not feel less pain because ’tis said, That saints and martyrs and soldiers have bled For what they gave. I am not brave Because of this. I weep not less, Because in distress Others, perhaps being stronger, have not wept as much; For Stoics, and tearless people, and because of such Restraint, I hold not back my tears. I borrow not my courage from the crowd. My heart is heavy and my head is bowed— But were I to raise my head high, And cast my eyes up to the sky, A star might guide me. I cannot be what has been, I cannot see what’s been seen. I shape my course, And gather force, From what’s to come. The future is my golden star, My inspiration—and from afar, I see the deeds that may be done, I watch a race that may be run, And hold my breath in ecstasy. Away! Black shadows of the past, Stale traditions that hold us fast. Because they were, Must we not stir From off their worn out path? I take up the spade of Youth and of Life, And fling new pebbles on the path, where strife Has worn the old ones out. I dig and put to rout, Old fancies and old doubt. Across the world I hear a clear, new note; The locks are shattered and the chains are smote, And a moonbeam has fallen across life’s shoulder. I raise my sword, and like a pioneer soldier, I sharpen it on the Shield of Hope.