Poems (Stephens)/Be active

by Eliza Jane Stephens

BE ACTIVE.

Oh, never sit with folded bauds
 And think "There's nothing I can do,"
As naught that's made wan made in vain,
 There surely is a work for you.

So much of health, and strength, and youth,
 So many graces of the mind,
To waste away in indolence,
 'Tis plain enough was ne'er designed.

'Twas not for this that Plenty smiled
 Upon the home that gave you birth;
'Twas not for this that friends were yours,
 As true as any friends of earth.

But since you own these precious gifts,
 Prove you possess a grateful heart,
Oil, pray be doing all the while.
 Lest you should fail to act your part.

There's work for you on either side,
 A work that's noble and sublime;
If done, 'twill be your monument
 When you have passed the bounds of time.

You might perhaps lead some away
 From paths of darkness and of sin—
Might waken thoughts of purity,
 Where now all seems so foul within.

There's many weak desponding ones
 Who bow to every trilling care,
Oh, do I heir drooping spirits cheer,
 For gloom is half the load they bear.

There's many lonely mourners too,
 Who slowly pine away with grief
But gentle words of sympathy
 To such afford a sweet relief.

The sick and poor are everywhere,
 Their anguish they alone can know,
How much distress you might relieve,
 With what of aid you can bestow.

Then live in earnest, while you live,
 Improve each swiftly gliding hour,
Be doing good where'er you can.
 Do it with all your heart and power.