Success

Success is a light upon the farther shore,
That shines in dazzling splendor to the eye,
The waters leap, the surging billows roar,
And he who seeks the prize must leap and try.
A mighty host stand trembling on the brink,
With anxious eyes they yearn to reach the goal.
I see them, leap, and, ah! I see them sink—
As gazing on, dread horror fills my soul!
Yet to despair I can but droop and die,
'Tis better far to try the lashing deep.
I much prefer beneath the surge to lie,
Than dearth to find me on this bank asleep.