Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, OH! BE SOMETHING!, by RICHARD SOLOMON GEDNEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

OH! BE SOMETHING!, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Oh! Be something! - oh! Be something!
Last Line: Without a purpose there!
Subject(s): Desire; Fame; Service; Usefullness; Reputation


OH! be something!—Oh! be something!—
Let those words ring in your ears,
As you struggle up Fame's ladder,
Half distract 'twixt hopes and fears.

Oh, be sure the great Creator
Never meant that man should be
A useless, worthless creature,
Fed by society!

Then onward, onward struggle,
Till you reach the topmost round
Of that ladder, which, to each man's eyes
By his best hope is crowned!

But the man that 'tempts this ladder,
Without his end in view;
Is certain to be trodden down
By the chosen, earnest few.

Then, be something!—Oh! be something!
For be certain none can e'er
Successful climb Fame's ladder,
Without a purpose there!





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