I Will Be Worthy of It

             I may not reach the heights I seek,
                My untried strength may fail me;
                Or, half-way up the mountain peak
                Fierce tempests may assail me.
                But though that place I never gain,
                Herein lies comfort for my pain --
                I will be worthy of it.

               I may not triumph in success,
               Despite my earnest labor;
               I may not grasp results that bless
               The efforts of my neighbor.
               But though my goal I never see
               This thought shall always dwell with me --
               I will be worthy of it.

              The golden glory of Love's light
              May never fall on my way;
              My path may always lead through night,
              Like some deserted byway.
              But though life's dearest joy I miss
              There lies a nameless strength in this --
              I will be worthy of it.

                                      

                                                    - Ella Wheeler Wilcox