Who meet the challenge face ahead,

And struggle on to conquer foes.

They learn to take the gaff and thrust,

And from an inner courage gain

A faith in toil and love of truth;

They pray to God to ease the pain.

WINTER

A glow of life shines from the leaf-stripped limbs,

In sheltered nooks snowbirds are singing hymns.

The sycamore shafts gleam and shine afar,

Down by the river where the black oaks are.

The goldenrod now droops his fuzzy head;

There by my fence, leaves make a fluffy bed.

They mulch my flower seed down in the loam;

Beyond below the tall sedge grasses moan.

Seared grass curls firmly over tender sprigs,

And my rose bush there curves its brown thorned twigs.

Beneath my window, tulip bulbs lay snug,

Quite safe and warm in earthy winter rug.

All nature resting for a springtime gain,

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