NO bay for me that critics may deny <br />In distant ages ; no position high <br />To win the others' envy, but a place <br />Among the men of service to my race. <br /> <br />To earn the meed of praise that comes to one <br />Who sees at eve hi daily labor done, <br />And done so well no hostile eye can find <br />A flaw in it, or fault of any kind. <br /> <br />To spread a note of cheer where'er I stray. <br />To lead the joyless to a brighter day. <br />To fill the hearts of sufFrers with a song. <br />To stand alway a sturdy foe to wrong. <br /> <br />To win the love of those with whom I toil. <br />To keep as close as may be to the soil <br />Whence came my strength and power, and anon <br />When it must be, to die with harness on !<br /><br />John Kendrick Bangs<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ambition-24/
