Lyman KingYou may think, passer-by, that FateIs a pit-fall outside of yourself,Around which you may walk by the use of foresightAnd wisdom.Thus you believe, viewing the lives of other men,As one who in God-like fashion bends over an anthill,Seeing how their difficulties could be avoided.But pass on into life:In time you shall see Fate approach youIn the shape of your own image in the mirror;Or you shall sit alone by your own hearth,And suddenly the chair by you shall hold a guest,And you shall know that guestAnd read the authentic message of his eyes.
You may think, passer-by, that FateIs a pit-fall outside of yourself,Around which you may walk by the use of foresightAnd wisdom.Thus you believe, viewing the lives of other men,As one who in God-like fashion bends over an anthill,Seeing how their difficulties could be avoided.But pass on into life:In time you shall see Fate approach youIn the shape of your own image in the mirror;Or you shall sit alone by your own hearth,And suddenly the chair by you shall hold a guest,And you shall know that guestAnd read the authentic message of his eyes.