FAITH

The strength of a man is the faith he holds
And the courage that this faith gives;
It makes him true to himself, and moulds
The shape of the life he lives.
It keeps him steadfast and of good cheer,
And the road of his life is straight.
He moves with a splendid lack of fear,
As he laughs at the stings of fate.

He faces the future with calm clear eyes
And a purpose that naught can dim.
It seems that the distant starlit skies
Are near to the heart of him.
Though the rest be blind, yet he can see
By a faith that can never fail,
And patience will his watch word be
To the end of his earthly trail.

He fills his mission and will not swerve
Though a legion bar the way
He marches on, and will take no curve
Just because of what others say.
So give me that man whose faith declines
To be hostage to any fears.
For he sees that a radiant beauty shines
Down the slope of the changing years.
(Lyda Smathers Holtzclaw)