Various words the world may know, Words like diamonds, gold or steel, Words which glitter, burn and glow, But no holier word than "toil"! Troglodytes became real men When, one sacred day, the soil With their ploughs they cleared, and then First began their round of toil. Brimming cups and harvest rife All from previous toil have come: All which satisfies in life, All which beautifies each home. Lamps with new triumphant light, Motors running, train and rail, Monoplanes in trackless flight - All the heritage of toil! Knowledge, art and writing flower - All embodiments of toil! At each step, and every hour Clearly seen is labor's spoil. Rightful place in life belongs But to those who daily toil: But for workers -- glory's songs, But on them the bays shall fall! When the dawn is smiling full, Making stars of evening pale, What great joys flows through their soul, Those who boldly rise to toil! Tired, when evening comes again, Each his full reward received, If his task, though small or plain, He successfully achieved! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE PILGRIM FATHERS by JOHN PIERPONT BEN JONSON ENTERTAINS A MAN FROM STRATFORD by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON COME UP FROM THE FIELDS FATHER by WALT WHITMAN THE SPROUTING BOARD by AL-ISRA'ILI RING FROM THE RIM OF THE GLASS, BOYS by JOHN CLINTON ANTHONY PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 31. AL-LATIF by EDWIN ARNOLD |