Sunday, May 12, 2013

"A SONG OF SUCCESS"---Robert Service V. 2.0

Here is another poem that captures the very essence of growing from youth to old age. This is another reason I so enjoy the poems of Robert Service. Please read and see if it applies to you:

A Song Of Success

Ho! we were strong, we were swift, we were brave.
Youth was a challenge, and Life was a fight.
All that was best in us gladly we gave,
Sprang from the rally, and leapt for the height.
Smiling is Love in a foam of Spring flowers:
Harden our hearts to him -- on let us press!
Oh, what a triumph and pride shall be ours!
See where it beacons, the star of success!

Cares seem to crowd on us -- so much to do;
New fields to conquer, and time's on the wing.
Grey hairs are showing, a wrinkle or two;
Somehow our footstep is losing its spring.
Pleasure's forsaken us, Love ceased to smile;
Youth has been funeralled; Age travels fast.       (Emphasis mine)
Sometimes we wonder: is it worth while?
There! we have gained to the summit at last.

Aye, we have triumphed! Now must we haste,
Revel in victory . . . why! what is wrong?
Life's choicest vintage is flat to the taste --
Are we too late? Have we laboured too long?
Wealth, power, fame we hold . . . ah! but the truth:
Would we not give this vain glory of ours                     (Emphasis mine)
For one mad, glad year of glorious youth,         (I  would settle for a few weeks)
Life in the Springtide, and Love in the flowers. 


This poem is very much like looking into a mirror for me. It captures where I am in life and how I feel. Poetry that appeals to me always causes me to ask, "How did anyone know how I felt?" 

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