RULES FOR THE ROAD
Ardor of sinew and spirit—what else do we need to make our journey prosperous and happy?
Stand straight:
Step firmly, throw your weight:
The heaven is high above your head,
The good gray road is faithful to your tread.
Be strong:
Sing to your heart a battle song:
Though hidden foemen lie in wait,
Something is in you that can smile at Fate.
Press through:
Nothing can harm if you are true.
And when the night comes, rest:
The earth is friendly as a mother's breast.
Edwin Markham.
From "The Gates of Paradise, and Other Poems."