My Virtual Reading Room

If It's Worth While

If it's worth while, then it's worth a few blows,
Worth a few setbacks and worth a few bruises;
If it's worth while--and it is, I suppose--
It's worth keeping on, though the first struggle loses.

If it's worth while, then it's worth a good fight,
Worth a few bouts with the demon, Disaster,
Worth going after with courage and might,
Worth keeping on till you've proved you are master.

If it's worth while, then it's worth a few pains,
Worth a few heartaches and worth a few sorrows,
Worth clinging fast to the hope that remains,
Worth going on through the doubtful to-morrows.

Stand to the battle and see the test through,
Pay all you have in endurance and might for it;
If it's worth while and a good thing to do,
Then it is worth all it costs in the fight for it.

(Edgar A. Guest)