Fugitive Poetry. 1600–1878/Paddle your Own Canoe

Paddle Your Own Canoe.

Voyager upon life's sea, to yourself be true,And where'er your lot may be, "Paddle your own canoe!"Never, though the winds may rave, falter nor look back;But upon the darkest wave leave a shining track.

Nobly dare the wildest storm, stem the hardest gale;Brave of heart and strong of arm, you will never fail.When the world is cold and dark, keep an aim in view;And toward the beacon-mark "Paddle your own canoe!"

Every wave that bears you on to the silent shore,From its sunny source has gone, to return no more:Then let not an hour's delay cheat you of your due;But, while it is called to day, "Paddle your own canoe!"

If your birth denied you wealth, lofty state and power,Honest fame and hardy health are a better dower:But, if these will not suffice, golden gain pursue;And to gain the glittering prize, "Paddle your own canoe!"

Would you wrest the wreath of fame from the hand of fate?Would you write a deathless name with the good and great?Would you bless your fellow-men? Heart and soul imbueWith the holy task, and then "Paddle your own canoe!"

Would you crush the tyrant wrong, in the world's free fight?With a spirit brave and strong, battle for the right:And to break the chains that bind the many to the few—To enfranchise slavish mind—"Paddle your own canoe!"

Nothing great is lightly won, nothing won is lost;Every good deed, nobly done, will repay the cost:Leave to Heaven, in humble trust, all you will to do;But, if you'd succeed, you must "Paddle your own canoe!"