I DO not care for garments fine, <br />I do not care for medals bright; <br />I have no wish to quench with wine <br />My thirst when I go home at night. <br />I'm satisfied with work to do, <br />And I'm content to bear my load <br />If only I can carve and hew <br />For those I love a better road. <br /> <br />I have no wish for luxury <br />If I must live it all alone; <br />Nor do I toil that I may be <br />By many strangers better known. <br />If I were here to toil for self <br />I'd have a very simple code, <br />And I'd need very little pelf— <br />But I'm the builder of a road. <br /> <br />I'm on this earth to pioneer <br />For those who follow after me, <br />According to my service here <br />Their chance for splendid life will be. <br />Into the future I must tread <br />Nor whimper at the present goad; <br />'Tis mine to blaze the path ahead, <br />I am the builder of a road. <br /> <br />I dare not shirk what task I find, <br />I dare not falsely step aside, <br />Nor leave the tangled brush behind. <br />My pathway must be clear and wide. <br />For they will tread the way I go, <br />They'll come to reap the seed I sowed <br />When I am sleeping 'neath the snow, <br />I am the builder of a road. <br /> <br />It is for them I face the front <br />And strive to keep my pathway straight, <br />It is for them I bear the brunt <br />Of selfishness and bitter hate. <br />That they may know a smoother way, <br />That they may bear a lighter load, <br />I, smiling, face the heat of day— <br />I am the builder of a road.<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-road-builder/
