Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


RULES FOR THE ROAD by EDWIN MARKHAM

Poet Analysis

First Line: STAND STRAIGHT: / STEP FIRMLY, THROW YOUR WEIGHT
Last Line: THE EARTH IS FRIENDLY AS A MOTHER'S BREAST.

Stand straight:
Step firmly, throw your weight:
The heaven is high above your head,
The good gray road is faithful to your tread.

Be strong:
Sing to your heart a battle song:
Though hidden foemen lie in wait,
Something is in you that can smile at Fate.

Press through:
Nothing can harm if you are true.
And when the night comes, rest:
The earth is friendly as a mother's breast.



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