Amidst the Stress and Strains of Life

Amidst the stress and strains of life rejoice Don't fold now, you still can play the hand Forget old rules, make a new paradigm for choice The brail and vang is in your will's command In your heart, just know your cause with God is right The stakes for all is everything you are Where your hands toil, work with all your might And point the stern towards your homing star Do not quit your dreams now, do not complain or cry Stand boldly at the bow and keel against the wind What matters if in the great struggle we die We could not live forever anyhow, and still we win For we have opened a path unopened before, and shew Men how, for the world will after us in glory But not behind the whimpering soul will any pursue The grimacing shame of a coward's history. Know whose you are, and who you are reclaim For God made you in his image, and set your heart To have dominion here, to replenish in the flame Subdue the earth, now with honor do your part! Tell winds and waves be still, tell the fire break You have God's glory to your name, stand and fight Do not quiver, let not the sun-centered rod shake Day comes the morning after the darkest night.