Paddle Your Own Canoe

by Sarah T. Bolton

Voyager upon life's sea, 

To yourself be true, 

And whatever your lot may be, 

Paddle your own canoe.

Never, though the winds may rave,

Falter or look back; 

But upon the darkest wave 

Leave a shining track. 

Paddle your own canoe.

Nobly dare the wildest storm, 

Stem the hardest gale,

Brave of heart and strong of arm 

You will never fail.

When the world is cold and dark,

Keep your aim in view; 

And toward the beacon work,

Paddle your own canoe. ...

..Would you crush the giant wrong, 

In the world's free fight? 

With a spirit brave and strong, 

Battle for the right.

And to break the chains that bind

The many to the few

To enfranchise slavish mind,-

Paddle your own canoe.

Nothing great is lightly won, 

Nothing won is lost, 

Every good deed, nobly done, 

Will repay the cost.

Leave to Heaven, in humble trust, 

All you will to do:

But if succeed, you must

Paddle your own canoe.

How do you interpret this poem?