Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, WHICH PATH SHALL YOURS BE?, by RAY D. SMITH


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WHICH PATH SHALL YOURS BE?, by                    
First Line: What is there in living when one has lost all
Last Line: Which of them shall yours be — the weak or the strong?
Subject(s): Courage; Hope; Roads; Strength; Valor; Bravery; Optimism; Paths; Trails


WHAT is there in living when one has lost all,
When Fortune, Friends, Happiness, go past recall?

To the weak remain thoughts of a lovelier past,
To the strong the delight of withstanding the blast,
To rebuild and repair the destruction that's wrought
By the chances of Fortune whose guerdon he sought.

The weak man repines for the days that are gone,
And lives in the light of the suns that have shone;
Sees naught else in life that can better its plan,
Devoid of the hope that should make up a man.

Not so with true manhood! The battle afar
Brings out latent energies, fits him for war.
He marshals his force with a veteran's skill
And the Fates lead him on, and lend purpose and will.

His fortune retrieves in a triumph complete;
Ambition and strength come the conqueror to greet,
Victorious, again on the crest of the wave,
He's a hope to the weak and a strength for the brave.

Before you two paths lie; — one broad and one long;
Which of them shall yours be — the weak or the strong?





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