We recently bought a book of poetry called, “It Can Be Done”—a collection of vigorous and empowering verses that inspires men and women to be the sturdy and virtuous people God created us to be.  While many of the verses feature men, I have found it to be a treasure trove for daughters who are training to be “sturdy women”.  (Mothers, this would be a great gift for sons as well as daughters!)

These poems are truly emboldening, and I would that every household owned a copy of this little book.  Here is a portion of one of my favorite poems that makes my heart ready to meet the day’s work and dominion of the home:

“Work: A Song of Triumph”

Work!
Thank God for the might of it,
The ardor, the urge, the delight of it—
Work that springs from the heart’s desire,
Setting the brain and the soul on fire—
Oh, what is so good as the heat of it,
And what is so glad as the beat of it,
And what is so kind as the stern command,
Challenging brain and heart and hand?

Work!
Thank God for the pride of it,
For the beautiful, conquering tide of it,
Sweeping the life in its furious flood,
Thrilling the arteries, cleansing the blood,
Mastering stupor and dull despair,
Moving the dreamer to do and dare.
Oh, what is so good as the urge of it,
And what is so glad as the surge of it,
And what is so strong as the summons deep,
Rousing the torpid soul from sleep?

Work!
Thank God for the pace of it,
For the terrible, keen, swift race of it;
Fiery steeds in full control,
Nostrils a-quiver to greet the goal.
Work the Power that drives behind,
Guiding the purposes, taming the mind,
Holding the runaway wishes back,
Reigning the will on to steady track,
Speeding the energies faster, faster,
Triumphing over disaster,
Oh, what is so good as the the pain of it,
And what is so great as the gain of it?
And what is so kind as the cruel goad,
Forcing us on through the rugged road?

. . . .