A POEM ON WILLPOWER

 

          A POEM ON WILLPOWER

In the phrase ‘willpower’  the word ‘Will’ stands for determination, firmness of purpose, single-mindedness and commitment. It also stands for the strength to carry out one’s decisions, wishes, or plans. The proverb ‘Where there is a will, there is a way’ carries all these connotations of the word.  

Willpower is said to be the key to success . Successful people are those who have the determination to overcome apathy, doubt or fear in their way. It has been rightly said that the saddest failures in life are those that come from not putting forth the power and will to succeed. Chinese philosopher Confucius (550-478 B.C.}  said ‘‘The general of a large enemy may be defeated, but you cannot defeat the determined mind of a peasant.’’

   What follows is a sonnet on ‘WILLPOWER’ by the American poetess Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850-1919). The title of her sonnet is ‘WILL’.

“There is no chance, destiny, or fate,

Can circumvent or hinder or control

The firm resolve of a determined soul.

Gifts count for nothing; will alone is great;

All things give way before it, soon or late.

What obstacle can stay the mighty force

Of the sea-seeking river in its course,

Or cause the ascending orb of day to wait.

 

Each wellborn soul must win what it deserves.

Let the fool prate of luck. The fortunate

Is he whose earnest purpose never swerves,

Whose slightest action or inaction serves

The one great aim. Why, even Death stands still,

And waits an hour sometimes for such a will. “

 

            Finally, remember that “where there is no struggle, there is no strength.”

                                                *******

G.R.Kanwal

14^th June 2024