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Life

Let me but live my life from year to year,
With forward face and unreluctant soul;
Not hurrying to, nor turning from the goal;
Not mourning for the things that disappear
In the dim past, nor holding back in fear
From what the future veils; but with a whole
And happy heart, that pays its toll
To Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer.

So let the way wind up the hill or down,
O'er rough or smooth, the journey will be joy:
Still seeking what I sought when but a boy,
New friendship, high adventure, and a crown,
My heart will keep the courage of the quest,
And hope the road's last turn will be the best.

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Comments

  • Nam
    January 12, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    This is but a simple piece but I also feel it has a sort of hopeful elegance to it, as well. I've heard of the author but I don't think I've read his work before now. I'm glad I did.

    This is a poem worth quoting; if not one or two lines: the whole piece.

    A good piece Van Dyke has written here.



    Edited on Jan 12, 11:18 because ''.


  • March 15, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    There is another version of the last two lines - I've never seen the above before.
    "I shall grow old, but never lose life's zest,
    Because the road's last turn will be the best."
    ?? Anybody know why the differene??