Be Strong

Be strong!
We are not here to play,
   to dream, to drift;
We have hard work to do,
   and loads to lift;
Shun not the struggle--face it;
   'tis God's gift.

Be strong!
Say not, "The days are evil.
   Who's to blame?"
And fold the hands and acquiesce--
   oh shame!
Stand up, speak out, and bravely,
   in God's name.

Be strong!
It matters not how deep intrenched
   the wrong,
How hard the battle goes,
   the day how long;
Faint not--fight on! Tomorrow
   comes the song.

      ~ Maltbie Davenport Babcock