Work

In the 1950's I attended a one room gradeschool. We had to learn a certain number of poems each year. Younger students would watch and admire the older students. The following poem was the last poem memorized in the 8th grade. We couldn't wait to be in the 8th grade and to be able to recite this poem with gusto.

Work: A Song of Triumph by Angela Morgan

Work!

Thank God for the might of it,

The ardor, the urge, the delight of it—

Work that springs from the heart’s desire,

Setting the brain and the soul on fire—

Oh, what is so good as the heat of it,

And what is so glad as the beat of it,

And what is so kind as the stern command,

Challenging brain and heart and hand?

Work!

Thank God for the pride of it,

For the beautiful, conquering tide of it.

Sweeping the life in its furious flood,

Thrilling the arteries, cleansing the blood,

Mastering stupor and dull despair,

Moving the dreamer to do and dare.

Oh, what is so good as the urge of it,

And what is so glad as the surge of it,

And what is so strong as the summons deep,

Rousing the torpid soul from sleep?

Work!

Thank God for the pace of it,

For the terrible, keen, swift race of it;

Fiery steeds in full control,

Nostrils a-quiver to meet the goal.

Work, the Power that drives behind,

Guiding the purposes, taming the mind,

Holding the runaway wishes back,

Reining the will to one steady track,

speeding the energies faster, faster,

Triumphing over disaster.

Oh, what is so good as the pain of it,

And what is so great as the gain of it?

And what is so kind as the cruel goad,

Forcing us on through the rugged road?

Work!

Thank God for the swing of it,

For the clamoring, hammering ring of it,

Passion of labor daily hurled

On the mighty anvils of the world.

Oh, what is so fierce as the flame of it?

And what is so huge as the aim of it?

Thundering on through dearth and doubt,

Calling the plan of the Maker out.

Work, the Titan; Work, the friend,

Shaping the earth to glorious end,

Draining the swamps and blasting the hills,

Doing whatever the Spirit wills—

Rending a continent apart,

To answer the dreams of the Master heart.

Thank God for a world where none may shirk—

Thank God for the splendor of work!

Of course, I didn't understand how hard it was going to be to work as an adult. There's house cleaning and laundry and clothes as well as going to your job so you can pay the bills! And you have to do it day after day until you retire! There were many times that I cursed my parents for teaching me such a good work ethic (just kidding)! 

So, we know what a sense of accomplishment we have when doing a job well. Let's transfer that work ethic to our health as well. We are worth it!