Courage

by Mary M. Porter

If you could cross mysterious seas, Columbus,
Could breast the angry, threatening unknown;
If you could face adversity and turmoil,
And reap reality from vast dreams sown;
If you could prove a truth by men forgotten,
And do a deed that some now call divine;
If you could find a continent, Columbus,
Then surely I can find this soul of mine.

If you could guide a nation, noble Lincoln,
And make of several parts a whole again;
If you could stand sagacious and unflinching,
In spite of calumny and scorn of men;
If you, with prescient and humble wisdom
Could bring our country out of darkest night;
If you could mold a destiny, O Lincoln,
Then I at least can shape my life aright.

If you can love me still, my heavenly Father,
In spite of obstinate and blind self-will’
Of selfish thoughts and base renunciation,
Of frenzied doubts I’ve often tried to kill;
(You’ve loved me, and You’ve punished me severely,
Yet still I do not trust — I cannot see.)
Still, if you’ll understand and watch and guide me,
I’ll rope my way at last, dear Lord, to thee.

(1928)