Life’s Struggle Poem by Benjamin Cutler Clark

Life is a splendid vision,
Short and bright;
Then should we make provision
To do what's right.

Press onward—struggle ever,
Work with zeal!
Time waits on mortals never—
Life—life is real!

If we should find a creature
Who's unbless'd,
Care-worn in every feature,
And sore distress'd;—

Stretch forth the hand of kindness,
And sustain,
One, who through mental blindness,
May have been slain.

If you should find another,
Who has need,
Ask not, 'Is this my brother?'
But help with speed.

If you can soothe his sorrow,
Don't delay;
Stay not 'until to-morrow!'—
Haste—haste away!

Old Time is onward urging
Every soul;
And all are swiftly verging
On to the goal.

Therefore, be ever ready
Thus to declare
Truth to the poor and needy,
Everywhere.

Thought—that seems a trifle
In its birth,
Although we partly stifle,
May shake the earth.

Then, if some thought or other
Should leak out,
It may assist a brother,
And ease a doubt.

One word, one pleasant feature,
Has reliev'd
A needy fellow-creature,
When aggriev'd!

Nature around is busy—
Why should we
Remain contented, easy,
Continually?

Though life is but a bubble
Here below,
And a continual trouble
Where'er we go,—

Yet, it hath many lessons
To impart,
And brings a thousand blessings
Around the heart.

Who would not do a favour,
If he could;
And thereby help a neighbour,
Just as he should?

Work, then, while you have power,—
Work and wait;
Lest there should come an hour
When it is too late.

Work for God and one another,—
Work with zeal!
Be candid with your brother;—
Life—life is real!