Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, KISMET, by GERALD MCMAHAN


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

KISMET, by                    
First Line: The roots of fate lie in the past
Last Line: Who strive not whilst they dwell?
Subject(s): Fate; Destiny


The roots of fate lie in the past:
As present is the sum of time amassed,
So present feeds the future day
With every act we launch or word we say.
'Tis true, not chance but plan divine
Enchains to each his good acts or malign
From first to very last.
Whether 'tis fate or we decree,
Or heaven or the stars, whate'er we be
'Tis fact we're here! Why seek afar
For boast or lame excuse for what we are?
Be one a thief or honest man,
'Tis plain he uses life the best he can,
Each given his destiny.
Swing high the rogues! Or let them pray.
Save heaven will, you cannot wrest one day
From sinful lives; nor make them learn
That happiness is theirs if they'll but turn
From by-paths to more peopled routes.
Their dread careers are molded in their roots:
Each blossoms his own way.
Mixed paradise and searing hell
Together, not alone, our learning swell.
None, -- not the goodliest -- can hope,
Alive, his way to paradise to grope!
Yet when all's said, who dares to shirk,
Attributing to fate his sloven work?
Who strive not whilst they dwell?





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