John Kendrick Bangs - Ambition

NO bay for me that critics may deny
In distant ages ; no position high
To win the others' envy, but a place
Among the men of service to my race.

To earn the meed of praise that comes to one
Who sees at eve hi daily labor done,
And done so well no hostile eye can find
A flaw in it, or fault of any kind.

To spread a note of cheer where'er I stray.
To lead the joyless to a brighter day.
To fill the hearts of sufFrers with a song.
To stand alway a sturdy foe to wrong.

To win the love of those with whom I toil.
To keep as close as may be to the soil
Whence came my strength and power, and anon
When it must be, to die with harness on !

John Kendrick Bangs

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