Poems (Bass)/Press On!

by Cora C. Bass

PRESS ON.

Press on! Why shouldst thou falter? Forward, soul!
 When, tempest-like, the conflict surges past;
Though o'er thee seething waves of trouble roll,
      They cannot last.

Press on! nor faint, nor fail, whate'er betide;
 May each successive blow be bravely met,
For hope shall cleave the closer to thy side
      And save thee yet

Press on! Why shouldst thou falter? Forward, soul!
 What matter though the way is rough and wild?
If thou canst keep thine eye upon the goal,
      Be reconciled.

Press on! the fierce assailant boldly faced
 Is half subdued, and he who will may climb;
That life upon a good foundation based
      Has conquered Time.