 | Jones Very : The Complete Poems |  |
The Struggle
A mighty struggle in the world goes on,A struggle, not for wealth, or Time's vain toys;
But one, in which the crown of Life is won,
And man inherits here eternal joys!
Not those who slumber, or who trifle here,
Can win the prize, which crowns that mighty strife;
But they, whom active love doth onward cheer
To fill with noble deeds their fleeting life;—
Who oft through suffering, oft through shades of death
Are called to pass, that they their crowns may win;
Oft only victors, with their dying breath,
Against the world-destroying power of Sin;
Which still disputes Christ's triumph on the earth,
And claims, as hers, each soul of heavenly birth.
Poem No. 13; June 1849
| Jones Very : The Complete Poems | |