We will be what we could be. Do not say, <br />'It might have been, had not this, or that, or this.' <br />No fate can keep us from the chosen way; <br />He only might who is. <br /> <br />We will do what we could do. Do not dream <br />Chance leaves a hero, all uncrowned to grieve. <br />I hold, all men are greatly what they seem; <br />He does, who could achieve. <br /> <br />We will climb where we could climb. Tell me not <br />Of adverse storms that kept thee from the height. <br />What eagle ever missed the peak he sought? <br />He always climbs who might. <br /> <br />I do not like the phrase 'It might have been!' <br />It lacks force, and life's best truths perverts: <br />For I believe we have, and reach, and win, <br />Whatever our deserts.<br /><br />Ella Wheeler Wilcox<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/it-might-have-been-2/
