Rules for the Road

Ardor of sinew and spirit—what else do we need to make our journey prosperous and happy?

Stand straight:
  Step firmly, throw your weight:
  The heaven is high above your head,
  The good gray road is faithful to your tread.

Be strong:
  Sing to your heart a battle song:
  Though hidden foemen lie in wait,
  Something is in you that can smile at Fate.

Press through:
  Nothing can harm if you are true.
  And when the night comes, rest:
  The earth is friendly as a mother’s breast.

Edwin Markham.

From “The Gates of Paradise, and Other Poems.”