Every year's a hidden mine; Stoutly up, and work it! What though anxious toil is thine? Never think to shirk it. Half the mine, as I am told, Harbors dust and ashes; Half the mine is precious gold, -- Ah, how bright it flashes! Sink the shaft of Lazy Mind, (What a dreadful bore, sir!) Dust and ashes you will find, That, and nothing more, sir! Sink the shaft of Earnest Heart, -- Lo, the treasure glances, Gleaming gay in every part Where your pick advances! See, my lad, the New-Year Mine Bright with promise-flashes! Will you dig for treasure fine, Or only dust and ashes? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IN LOVE by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON PEACE (2) by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON SUPREME by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON MOTHER NIGHT by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON THE WORD OF AN ENGINEER by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON CHAMBER MUSIC: 9 by JAMES JOYCE DOMESDAY BOOK: CHARLES WARREN, THE SHERIFF by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |