We will be what we could be. Do not say, "It might have been, had not or that, or this." No fate can keep us from the chosen way; He only might, who @3is.@1 We will do what we could do. Do not dream Chance leaves a hero, all uncrowned to grieve. I hold, all men are greatly what they seem; He does, who could achieve. We will climb where we could climb. Tell me not Of adverse storms that kept thee from the height What eagle ever missed the peak he sought? He always climbs who might. I do not like the phrase, "It might have been!" It lacks all force, and life's best truths perverts: For I believe we have, and reach, and win, Whatever our deserts. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO A DOG'S MEMORY by LOUISE IMOGEN GUINEY THE FALLOW DEER AT THE LONELY HOUSE by THOMAS HARDY SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: ELSA WERTMAN by EDGAR LEE MASTERS 23RD STREET RUNS INTO HEAVEN by KENNETH PATCHEN FRATERNITY by ANNE REEVE ALDRICH UPON THIS WORK OF HIS BELOVED FRIEND THE AUTHOR by WILLIAM BROWNE (1591-1643) |