You may rest a while if the going be tough,
Take a breath when the terrain is rough;
Let the oars have a respite
And rower enjoy a bite;
But the journey must anon continue,
For time has taught that the motions of the brave,
According to the decrees the Almighty gave,
Shall forever subdue the earth;
And a man's toils shall bring him mirth.
Withdraw your ear from cynics and naysayers
Who affirm that yes they can't;
Keep the company of them that try;
And rejoice in the fold of sons of hope;
Remember that it's not a crime to let a cry
Should bristles of adversity prick your heart;
Allow a tear if the pain be too much,
But in all this remember this part:
You must keep on keeping on!
Nothing has ever stood
On the path of a determined man
Who continues walking despite the mood.
The world lacks an example of a man who really tried,
And was the object of his desire denied!
Give ear all that hear the spoken word,
For none of this worth has ever been heard;
The esoteric secret code that runs the world:
Keep on keeping on!
Hannington Mumo
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/keep-on-keeping-on/