Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE TEST, by EFFIE WALLER SMITH


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE TEST, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: He fears not death, and therefore he is brave'
Last Line: If he have lived his life with dauntless heart.
Subject(s): Courage; Death; Life; Valor; Bravery; Dead, The


"He fears not death, and therefore he is brave" --
How common yet how childish is the thought,
As if death were the hardest battle fought,
And earth held naught more dreadful than the grave!

In life, not death, doth lie the brave soul's test,
For life demandeth purpose long and sure,
The strength to strive, the patience to endure;
Death calls for one brief struggle, then gives rest.

Through our fleet years then let us do our part
With willing arm, clear brain, and steady nerve;
In death's dark hour no spirit true will swerve,
If he have lived his life with dauntless heart.





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