I often hear my mother's voice,
saying; 'your destiny is your choice.
great men are not made by their breeds,
great men are made by their deeds.
think it out yourself my lad,
you have what these men also have had;
one brain, one head, two arms to use,
you too can be, if only you choose.
never excuse your wits from good works,
if you must inscribe your name on rocks.
give your gifts to human needs,
and soon the world will do your bids.
covet now, the glory of the sun,
be not less you too, my son.
wonder too, with awe at the moon
and you shall learn secrets that escape noon.
keep on good works that lives without end,
and greater men shall strive to be your friend.
look at the east, the west, north and south
and you shall see fertile lands round about.
know that great men that have risen,
are men given to studying the season.
give your hands to harness your breath,
before your flesh be given to death.
the minds of men is like a million farms,
given to be ploughed by the owner's palms.
stir your soul to spring lasting streams,
else you'll thirst to die for others' dreams'.
David O. Olusanya
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
great men are made by their deeds. - a GREAT poem! add to my favorites!