I came across this poem while reading to the boys the other day. They may have long forgotten it – but it’s been ‘speaking to me’ ever since. I’m joining Be Still Monday at One Nutty Girl and rehearsing this song in my heart. Stop a moment to take this in – it’ll speak to you too, I’m sure.
Paddle Your Own Canoe
Voyager upon life’s sea,
To yourself be true,
And where’er your lot may be
Paddle your own canoe.
Never, though the winds may rave,
Falter nor look back;
But upon the darkest wave
Leave a shinning track.
Nobly dare the wildest storm,
Stem the hardest gale;
Brave of heart and strong of arm,
You will never fail.
When the world is cold and dark,
Keep an aim in view,
And toward the beacon mark
Paddle your own canoe.
Every wave that bears you on
To the silent shore,
From its sunny source has gone
To return no more.
Then let not an hour’s delay
Cheat you of your due;
But, while it is called today,
Paddle your own canoe.
If your birth denied you wealth,
loftly state and power;
Honest fame and hardy health
Are a better dower.
But if these will not suffice,
Golden gain pursue;
And, to win the glittering prize,
Paddle your own canoe.
Would you wrest the wreath of fame
From the hand of fate?
Would you write a deathless name
With the good and the great?
Would you bless your fellow-men?
Heart and soul inbue
With the holy task, and then
Paddle your own canoe.
Would you crush the tyrant wrong,
In the world’s free fight?
With a spirit brave and strong,
Battle for the right;
And to break the chains that bind
The many to the few,
To enfranchise slavish mind–
Paddle your own canoe,
Nothing great is lightly won;
Nothing won is lost;
Every good deed is nobly done,
Will repay the cost.
Leave to Heaven, in humble trust,
All you will do;
But if you succeed, you must
Paddle your own canoe.
Paddle Your Own Canoe was written by Sarah Bolton in 1853. Words and music have been translated into 8 languages.
Subscribe to Above & Beyond by e-mail or in a reader.
Related posts:
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks so much for sharing the poem. Really hits home today. Sometimes, paddling the canoe is all upstream! Have a blessed day and we continue to pray for Tim. Nela has forwarded Tim’s email to us and we will pray until he is completely recovered! Blessings to your family! I fondly remember them all lined up in church!
Sheri
I’m adding your button to my blog.
Oh dear Debi, You never fail to challenge me and cause me to stop and THINK! Imagine that! I have thought of this poem many times in the last couple of days, gone back and reread it, WOW! Thank you for always calling me on to the deeper, better things! I love you!
Awwww … you just made my day! It’s been ‘messin’ with me too – timeless words.
My canoe ride’s been a bit bumpy lately, at least I have *them internets* to get some ‘girl time’ in.