I forgot about that one..

(30 September 2007)

When your wife- with whom you blissfully spend the majority of every day- says to you, "I miss your blogs, when are you going to write a new one?" you know it is long overdue.

So a good one is coming along. Yet because of time constraints, I wanted to share my favorite poem. Not like I read a lot of poetry, don't think that. After laying dormant in some back corner of my mind for over two years (somewhere next to my old marching band drills and secrets I've long since told) I brushed it up this week for a group project in my Financial Planning class, and afterwards somebody asked me for a copy. I hope you enjoy it.

You

By Edgar A. Guest

You are the fellow who has to decide

Whether you'll do it or toss it aside.

You are the fellow who makes up your mind.

Whether you'll lead or will linger behind.
Whether you'll try for the goal that's afar

Or just be contented to stay where you are.

Take it or leave it. Here's something to do!

Just think it over- It's all up to you!



What do you wish? To be known as a shirk,

Known as a good man who's willing to work,

Scorned as a loafer, or praised by your chief,

Rich man or poor man or beggar or thief?

Eager or earnest or dull through the day?

Honest or crooked? It's you who must say!

You must decide in the face of the test

Whether you'll shirk or give it your best.



Nobody here will compel you to rise;

No one will force you to open your eyes;

No one will answer for you, yes or no,

Whether to stay there or whether to go;

Life is a game, but it's you who must say

Whether as cheat or as sportsman you'll play.

Fate may betray you, but you settle first

Whether to live to your best or your worst.



So, whatever it is you are wanting to be,

Remember to fashion the choice you are free.
Kindly or selfish, or gentle or strong

Keeping the right way or taking the wrong,

Careless of honor or guarding your pride,

All these are questions which you must decide.

Yours the selection, whichever you do;

The thing men call character's all up to you.