The fear of being great is what keeps men Forever little both in mind and soul, And many a man with talents more than ten Has dared not try to reach the mighty's goal. The coward thought has gripped them in its hold, The fear that genius is of different clay, That God Who fashioned broke its spirit's mould When one such soul was sent upon its way, Oh, we who view the world with older eyes, Should shout this truth from housetops everywhere, And tell our youth that he who really tries The ripe fruits of true greatness will he share. And that this fear of which I've spoke in rhyme Is foolish, vain, and speaks of cowardice, And only those who rise to heights sublime Can understand what living truly is. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...BEAUTY THAT IS NEVER OLD by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON |