I LIKE the man who faces what he must With step triumphant and a heart of cheer; Who fights the daily battle without fear; Sees his hopes fail, yet keeps unfaltering trust That God is God, -- that somehow, true and just His plans work out for mortals; not a tear Is shed when fortune, which the world holds dear, Falls from his grasp -- better, with love, a crust Than living in dishonor; envies not, Nor loses faith in man; but does his best, Nor ever murmurs at his humbler lot; But, with a smile and words of hope, gives zest To every toiler. He alone is great Who by a life heroic conquers fate. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...NATHAN HALE [SEPTEMBER 22, 1776] by FRANCIS MILES FINCH ON MILTON'S PARADISE LOST by ANDREW MARVELL SING-SONG; A NURSERY RHYME BOOK: 91 by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI TO THINK OF TIME by WALT WHITMAN HAWTHORNE by AMOS BRONSON ALCOTT LOOKING FORWARD by LAWRENCE ALMA-TADEMA MODERN MOSES, OR 'MY POLICY' MAN by JAMES MADISON BELL |