Not all of what inspires us is wondrous in its beauty. Tales of courage and perseverance of the few bravely standing fast against an overwhelming force of darkness and defeat is also a source of inspiration. Lord knows, we are now witnessing such an tale each day from the comfort of our sofas. Hope as we may, meaningful endings are not always “happily ever after.” Any life lost in defense of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” is bittersweet. We don’t write the Book of Life, we only live it. We pray for all the people of Ukraine, who have reminded us all that sometimes we can only prevail by enduring to the very end, whatever that end may be.
This famous poem by Robert Service (1874-1958) echoes the anthem of the brave, courageous… and inspirational:
“We do not know what to expect from fate. We only know what to expect from ourselves. We stand up and carry on!”
It’s easy to fight when everything’s right,
And you’re mad with the thrill and the glory;
It’s easy to cheer when victory’s near,
And wallow in fields that are gory.
It’s a different song when everything’s wrong,
When you’re feeling infernally mortal;
When it’s ten against one, and hope there is none,
Buck up, little soldier, and chortle:
Carry On! Carry On!
There isn’t much punch in your blow.
You’re glaring and staring and hitting out blind;
You’re muddy and bloody, but never you mind.
Carry on, Carry on!
You haven’t the ghost of a show.
It’s looking like death, but while you’ve a breath,
Carry on, my son! Carry on!
And so in the strife of the battle of life
It’s easy to fight when you’re winning;
It’s easy to slave, and starve and be brave,
When the dawn of success is beginning.
But the one who can meet despair and defeat
With a cheer, there’s the one of God’s choosing;
The one who can fight to Heaven’s own height
Is the one who can fight when he’s losing.
Carry on! Carry on!
Things never were looming so black.
But show that you haven’t a cowardly streak,
And though you’re unlucky you never are weak.
Carry on! Carry on!
Brace up for another attack.
It’s looking like hell, but—you never can tell:
Carry on, old man! Carry on!
There are some who drift out in the deserts of doubt,
And some who in brutishness wallow;
There are others, I know, who in piety go
Because of a Heaven to follow,
But to labor with zest, and to give of your best,
For the sweetness and joy of the giving;
To help folks along with a hand and a song;
Why, there’s the real sunshine of living.
Carry on! Carry on!
Fight the good fight and true;
Believe in your mission, greet life with a cheer;
There’s big work to do, and that’s why you’re here,
Carry on! Carry on!
Let the world be better for you;
And at last when you die, let this be your cry:
Carry on, my soul! Carry on!
Have an AWE-full weekend and pray for the people of Ukraine!
William “Bill” Bacque