Not for the sake of the gold, <br />Not for the sake of the fame, <br />Not for the prize would I hold <br />Any ambition or aim: <br />I would be brave and be true <br />Just for the good I can do. <br /> <br />I would be useful on earth, <br />Serving some purpose or cause, <br />Doing some labor of worth, <br />Giving no thought to applause. <br />Thinking less of the gold or the fame <br />Than the joy and the thrill of the game. <br /> <br />Medals their brightness may lose, <br />Fame be forgotten or fade, <br />Any reward we may choose <br />Leaves the account still unpaid. <br />But little real happiness lies <br />In fighting alone for a prize. <br /> <br />Give me the thrill of the task, <br />The joy of the battle and strife, <br />Of being of use, and I'll ask <br />No greater reward from this life. <br />Better than fame or applause <br />Is striving to further a cause.<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/purpose-60/
