Songs and Sonnets (Coleman)/Opportunity
OPPORTUNITY.
Hast thou been driven to the wall?—
Sound once again thy battle-call.
Thou knowest not what store of strength
Determination yields at length;
When all the outer forces fail
Sheer inner courage may prevail.
Art thou from service set aside—
Thy cherished hope and work denied?
The greatest task of all may be
To show steadfast serenity.
Not all is lost while we may make
One comrade stronger for our sake.
Doth age creep over thee apace?
Set smiling to the dark thy face,
And make the flame of thy soul's light
Burn as a beacon in the night,
That those who follow thee may show
Like fortitude, and fearless go.
The dying hero's courage still
The heart of all a world can thrill,
The martyr's smile above the pyre
Still kindles in us sacred fire,—
No less thy darkest hour may be
Thy deathless opportunity.