[LIMITLESS.]
There is nothing, I hold, in the way of work
That a human being may not achieve
If he does not falter, or shrink or shirk,
And more than all, if he will _believe_.
Believe in himself and the power behind
That stands like an aid on a dual ground,
With hope for the spirit and oil for the wound,
Ready to strengthen the arm or mind.
When the motive is right and the will is strong
There are no limits to human power;
For that great force back of us moves along
And takes us with it, in trial's hour.
And whatever the height you yearn to climb,
Tho' it never was trod by the foot of man,
And no matter how steep--I say you _can_,
If you will be patient-and use your time.
[DENIED.]
The winds came out of the west one day,
And hurried the clouds before them;
And drove the shadows and mists away,
And over the mountains bore them.
And I wept, "Oh, wind, blow into my mind,
Blow into my soul and heart,
And scatter the clouds that hang like shrouds,
And make the shadows depart."
The rain came out of the leaden skies
And beat on the earth's cold bosom.
It said to the sleeping grass, "Arise,"
And the young buds sprang in blossom.
And I wept in pain, "Oh, blessed rain,
Beat into my heart to-day;
Thaw out the snows that are chilling it so,
Till it blossoms in hope, I pray."
The sunshine fell on the bare-armed trees,
In a wonderful sheen of glory;
And the young leaves rustled and sang to the breeze,
And whispered a love-fraught story.
And "Sun, oh shine on this heart of mine,
And woo it to life," I cried;
But the wind, and sun, and rain, each one
The coveted boon denied.