Article #68 - Lifes Talisman

Aim high! ‘tis sweet to cherish

  Hopes that elevate the mind

Though their brightest hues should perish

  Many linger still behind

Trophies for impassioned story

  Mighty minds that never die

Life and fortune fame and glory

  All depend on aiming high

Aim high! the hero thunders

  To his sometimes faltering heart

While the world looks beholds & wonders

  What can such a power impart

Dangers fall in meek submission

  ‘Neath his penetrating eye

Tis the force of bright ambition

  ‘Tis the force of aiming high

Aim high! the only anchor

  Certain ‘mid life’s stormy sea

This alone will more than conquer

  Every pang the fates decree

Though the purpose should be shaken

  Black despair be hovering nigh

Though the prize should not be taken

  Nothing’s lost by aiming high

Aim high! what withering folly

  Tis to shrink neath dangers frown

Actions shaped by cautious teaching

  Never yet achieved a crown

Fears are traitors & confound us

  With despair’s desponding sigh

One hope only should surround us

  And that hope is aiming high

Aim high though e’er so humble

  Be thy calling here below

Torturing cares & fears must crumble

  At each firm unswerving blow

Bow not down to wealth a pander

  Proudly pass her altars by

‘Midst the world’s delusive grandeur

  All depends on aiming high

Aim high and if you falter

  Brilliant hopes may yet remain

On that self-same blighted altar

  Bright gleams will renew again

Every wreath that fame has given

  Ne’er with time and change to die

Has by Godlike deeds been [d?]riven

  Has been won by aiming high.