The Torchbearer

"The Torchbearer"

The God of the great endeavor 

gave me a torch to bear. 

I lifted it high above me 

in the dark and murky air.

Straightway with loud hosannas 

the crowd acclaimed its light, 

And followed me as I carried my torch 

through the dark and starless night.

Til mad with peoples' praises 

and drunken with vanity, 

I forgot it was the torch that drew them 

and fancied they followed me.

And my arm grew sore and weary 

upholding the shining load, 

And my tired feet went stumbling 

over the hilly road.

I fell with the torch beneath me, 

in a moment the flame was out. 

But lo, from the throng a stripling 

sprang forth with a mighty shout,

Caught up the torch as it smouldered 

and lifted it high again, 

Til fanned by the winds of heaven 

it fired the souls of men.

As I lay alone in the darkness, 

the feet of the trampling crowd, 

Passed over and far beyond me, 

their praises proclaimed aloud.

And I learned in the deepening shadow 

this glorious verity, 

'Tis the torch the people follow, 

who ere the bearer be.

- Anonymous