The things that haven't been done before, <br />Those are the things to try; <br />Columbus dreamed of an unknown shore <br />At the rim of the far-flung sky, <br />And his heart was bold and his faith was strong <br />As he ventured in dangers new, <br />And he paid no heed to the jeering throng <br />Or the fears of the doubting crew. <br /> <br />The many will follow the beaten track <br />With guideposts on the way, <br />They live and have lived for ages back <br />With a chart for every day. <br />Someone has told them it's safe to go <br />On the road he has traveled o'er, <br />And all that they ever strive to know <br />Are the things that were known before. <br /> <br />A few strike out, without map or chart, <br />Where never a man has been, <br />From the beaten paths they draw apart <br />To see what no man has seen. <br />There are deeds they hunger alone to do; <br />Though battered and bruised and sore, <br />They blaze the path for the many, who <br />Do nothing not done before. <br /> <br />The things that haven't been done before <br />Are the tasks worth while to-day; <br />Are you one of the flock that follows, or <br />Are you one that shall lead the way? <br />Are you one of the timid souls that quail <br />At the jeers of a doubting crew, <br />Or dare you, whether you win or fail, <br />Strike out for a goal that's new?<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/things-that-haven-t-been-done-before/
