Am <br />I know not whence I came, <br /> I know not whither I go; <br />But the fact stands clear that I am here <br />In this world of pleasure and woe. <br />And out of the mist and the murk <br /> Another truth shines plain – <br />It is my power each day and hour <br /> To add to its joy or its pain. <br /> <br />I know that the earth exists, <br /> It is none of my business why; <br />I cannot find out what it’s all about, <br /> I would but waste time to try. <br />My life is a brief, brief thing, <br /> I am here for a little space, <br />And while I stay I would like, if I may, <br /> To brighten and better the place. <br /> <br />The trouble, I think, with us all <br /> Is the lack of a high conceit. <br />If each man thought he was sent to this spot <br /> To make it a bit more sweet, <br />How soon we could gladden the world, <br /> How easily right all wrong, <br />If nobody shirked, and each one worked <br /> To help his fellows along! <br /> <br />Cease wondering why you came – <br /> Stop looking for faults and flaws; <br />Rise up to-day in your pride and say, <br /> ‘I am part of the First Great Cause! <br />However full the world, <br /> There is room for an earnest man. <br />It had need of me, or I would not be – <br /> I am here to strengthen the plan.’<br /><br />Ella Wheeler Wilcox<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-am-3/
