We will be what we could be. Do not say, "It might have been, had not or that, or this." No fate can keep us from the chosen way; He only might, who @3is.@1 We will do what we could do. Do not dream Chance leaves a hero, all uncrowned to grieve. I hold, all men are greatly what they seem; He does, who could achieve. We will climb where we could climb. Tell me not Of adverse storms that kept thee from the height What eagle ever missed the peak he sought? He always climbs who might. I do not like the phrase, "It might have been!" It lacks all force, and life's best truths perverts: For I believe we have, and reach, and win, Whatever our deserts. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IN A COPY OF OMAR KHAYYAM by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL KING AND PEOPLE by CHARLES WILLIAM BRODRIBB END AND BEGINNING by AMELIA JOSEPHINE BURR TO LORD THURLOW by GEORGE GORDON BYRON THE OLD MAN OF THE ALPS by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE BRAHMS, NO. 2 D MAJOR, OP. 73 by GRACE HAZARD CONKLING C IS FOR CHILD by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES PRIDE AND HUMILITY by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES LINES (AFTER SEEING MACREADY IN VIRGNIA) by ANNA PEYRE DINNIES |