Why Not?
Why shouldn’t the soul of a mortal be proud?
Life goes, it is true, like a swift-flying cloud
But while it is going and ere he has died
A man may do many things worthy of pride The high and the humble, the meek and the brave, Are all of them destined in time for the grave, But while they are living and drawing their breath They may create something that lives after death. The Builder may build and the singer may sing, The Painter may paint while his time’s on the wing. And when they are buried deep down in the grime The things they have made will remain for all time. Man conquers the mountains, the seas and the air, And deserts turn gardens while under his care. He does wondrous deeds in the scant space allowed; Why shouldn’t the soul of a mortal be proud? Up out of the darkness we reach to the light And slowly through ages we toil to the height. The soul of a mortal is more than his clay; The spirit of man can defy all decay! So lift up your eyes to the Truth that is God’s: In spite of disaster, in face of all odds, The spirit of Man is not wrapped in the shroud, Why shouldn’t the soul of a mortal be proud?
“Why Not?” by Berton Braley
