Life, you have bruised me and chilled me; Fate, you have jeered at my pain; Dreams, you have mocked while you thrilled me — so I turn to the battle again. Love, you have blessed me and led me; the lips that have kissed you, you smite; Hope, you have urged me and fled me — but left is the joy of the fight! Never was I a coward! Now must I prove my worth. World, I will give you my courage; not tears but a hard-bought mirth. Work of my hands I grant you, labor and toil of brain, But heart and soul shall be wanting — for they are dead of pain! Forward! A fight to the death, then! Life is a sorry jest. Ahead! To the thick of tumult! Fate is a fool at the best. Courage! The war gods are greatest! Love is a false, fair light. To arms! For Dreams are frail bubbles, and Hope but a song in the night. World, I cast down the gauntlet, for you were made to defy! Own me a foe for your mettle! Ah, fighting let me die! Love, Hope and Dreams I give you; Life I fling at your feet; I will drink to the dregs of the bitter — for once I had tasted of sweet! Of one last taunt I shall rob you; stern, I will claim my due; One recompense you shall give me, balm I will snatch from you. 'Tis neither Fame nor Glory — toys to break and regret; @3I demand to conquer Memory! I demand that I — forget@1. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...UPON DRINKING IN A BOWL by ANACREON THE OLD SQUIRE by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT TROILUS AND CRESSIDA: SONG by JOHN DRYDEN ON THE LIFE OF MAN by WALTER RALEIGH THE CITY DEAD-HOUSE by WALT WHITMAN A CONSISTENT GIRL by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS ON SEEING THE SUN SHINE ... MY WINDOW FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE YEAR by LUCY AIKEN |