Opportunity (Poem)

written by Walter Malone (1866-1915)

Walter Malone (1866-1915)Was Born in De Soto County, Mississippi, 1866; died in Memphis, Tennessee, 1915. While his epic “De Soto” is a well- sustained work, it is by the brief lyric, “Opportunity“, that Walter Malone will live in the public heart.

THEY do me wrong who say I come no more ,When once I knock and fail to find you in; For every day I stand outside your door And bid you wake, and rise to fight and win.

In this stanza, the poet is expressing the idea that persistence and determination are essential. The poet emphasizes the importance of not giving up, even in the face of obstacles or failures. By repeatedly exhorting the audience to rise up and face challenges, the poet underscores the message of resilience, motivation and the constant hard work required to overcome adversity and achieve success.

Wail not for precious chances passed away! Weep not for golden ages on the wane! Each night I burn the records of the day- – At sunrise every soul is born again!

In this stanza, the poet is giving the idea of ​​hope, renewal and embracing new opportunities. The poet advises not to regret lost opportunities or bygone eras because every day offers a new beginning. By symbolically burning the records of the past at night and emphasizing the rebirth of every soul at sunrise, the poet suggests that each new day is a new beginning, a new beginning and the creation of a better future. Brings possibility. It encourages a positive outlook, resilience, and belief in the ability to grow and change.

Dost thou behold thy lost youth all aghast? Dost reel from righteous Retribution’s blow? Then turn from blotted archives of the past ,And find the future’s pages white as snow.

In this stanza, the poet is suggesting that if you are regretting your lost youth or suffering as a result of past mistakes, you should not dwell on these negative experiences. Instead, the poet suggests turning away from the tainted history of the past and looking towards a future full of new opportunities and possibilities. Emphasizing the pages of the future as pure and clean as snow, the poet conveys the idea of ​​starting anew, leaving behind regrets, and focusing on creating a positive and hopeful future. It encourages optimism and moving forward with a clean slate.

Art thou a mourner? Rouse thee from thy spell; Art thou a sinner? Sins may be forgiven;. Each morning gives thee wings to flee from hell,Each night a star to guide thy feet to heaven.

In this stanza, the poet is offering encouragement and hope to those who are suffering from grief or feeling burdened by sin. The poet pleads with the bereaved to wake up from their sad state and let the sinners understand that forgiveness is possible. Highlighting the transformative power of each new day, the poet suggests that mornings provide an opportunity to move out of despair and onto a better path. Furthermore, the poet symbolizes the guidance and hope available in the form of a star at night, leading people to a better place, symbolized by heaven. This stanza conveys a message of salvation, renewal, and the possibility of a bright future despite past struggles or mistakes.

Laugh like a boy at splendors that have sped, To vanished joys be blind and deaf and dumb; My judgments seal the dead past with its dead, But never bind a moment yet to come.

In this stanza, the poet exhorts us to laugh with joy at past wonders, to ignore the joys that have completely disappeared. The poet suggests that we should not be affected by the decisions we have made about the past because they are final and cannot be changed. Instead, the poet emphasizes that the future is still open and full of possibilities, and that we should not allow past experiences to limit or define what is yet to come. It encourages us to focus on the present moment and look forward to future possibilities and opportunities.

Though deep in mire, wring not your hands and weep; I lend my arm to all who say “I can!” No shame-faced outcast ever sank so deep, But yet might rise and be again a man!

In this stanza, the poet is helping and encouraging those who may find themselves in difficult situations. The poet advises against despair in the face of adversity, urging people not to throw up and cry, but instead to have faith and determination. Expressing a willingness to help anyone who believes in their ability to overcome obstacles with the phrase “I can,” the poet conveys a message of empowerment and support. The poet emphasizes that no matter how deeply one feels that one is in trouble, there is always the possibility of rising again and regaining one’s dignity and humanity. It conveys a message of resilience, hope, and belief in the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.