Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, OPPORTUNITY, by JOHN JAMES INGALLS


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

OPPORTUNITY, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Master of human destinies am I!
Last Line: I answer not, and I return no more.
Subject(s): Life; Opportunity


Master of human destinies am I.
Fame, love, and fortune on my footsteps wait.
Cities and fields I walk; I penetrate
Deserts and seas remote, and passing by
Hovel, and mart, and palace -- soon or late
I knock unbidden once at every gate!
If sleeping, wake -- if feasting, rise before
I turn away. It is the hour of fate,
And they who follow me reach every state
Mortals desire, and conquer every foe
Save death; but those who doubt or hesitate,
Condemned to failure, penury, and woe,
Seek me in vain and uselessly implore--
I answer not, and I return no more.




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