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Jay Olson

How Did You Die?

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    Did you tackle that trouble that came your way
    With a resolute heart and cheerful?
    Or hide your face from the light of day
    With a craven soul and fearful?
    Oh, a trouble's a ton, or a trouble's an ounce,
    Or a trouble is what you make it,
    And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts,
    But only how did you take it?

    You are beaten to earth? Well, well, what's that?
    Come up with a smiling face.
    It's nothing against you to fall down flat,
    But to lie there -- that's disgrace.
    The harder you're thrown, why the higher you bounce;
    Be proud of your blackened eye!
    It isn't the fact that you're licked that counts,
    It's how did you fight --  and why?

    And though you be done to the death, what then?
    If you battled the best you could,
    If you played your part in the world of men,
    Why, the Critic will call it good.
    Death comes with a crawl, or comes with a pounce,
    And whether he's slow or spry,
    It isn't the fact that you're dead that counts,
    But only how did you die?
    Edmund Vance Cooke
2 comments
  • Mystic  Angel
    Mystic Angel Fear is a very powerful thing.
    February 23, 2012
  • Jay Olson
    Jay Olson Only if you give in to it.
    February 23, 2012