'LOSER AND VICTOR'
Edgar A. Guest
Beaten by his doubting heart,
And he had a ready ear
For the busy tongue of fear,
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And he had a timid mind
Unto fretfulness inclined,
Filled with many reasons why
It was vain for him to try.
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Given a task he'd shake his head,
"Can't do that!" he often said
"Times are hard and none will stay,
Listening to the words I say,
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It is futile now to try,
People simply will not buy!"
Thus he walked the streets of trade,
Both discouraged and afraid.
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But another kind of man
Thought this way: "Perhaps I can!"
If I will supply the pluck,
Fortune may provide the luck.
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If I have the grit to try,
There are people who may buy;
Anyhow, I'll not submit
To defeat before I'm hit."
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One was beaten from the start,
Beaten by his doubting heart,
Beaten when he gave his ear
To the busy tongue of fear.
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But another with his chance
Seized the moment to advance,
And came happy home at night
Just because he dared to fight!