BE STRONG

 

         BE STRONG

            “BE STRONG” is an inspirational poem written by the American  clergyman and poet Maltbie Davenport Babcock.

                    He was born on 3 August 1858 and died on 18 May 1901.

            His love for God was very deep. He wrote several  hymns . The most famous among them is “This Is My Father’s World.” About this hymn it is on recod : “When he lived in Lockport, New York, he took frequent walks along the Niagara Escarpment to enjoy the overlook’s panoramic vista of upstate New York scenery and Lake Ontario, telling his wife Katherine he was going out to see the Father’s world.   

            The poem “BE STRONG” which is reproduced below starts with the lines:  We are not here to play, to dream, to drift; we have hard work to do, and loads to lift.” Through these lines Babcock rejects the theory of hedonism. The world  is not a place for enjoyment, entertainment or  gratification of  our desires. It is not a playground, but a battlefield where we are supposed to fight bravely without any excuse.   

 

The full text of the poem reads as follows:

                        Be strong !

We are not here to play, to dream, to drift;

We have hard work to do, and loads to lift;

Shun not the struggle---face it : ‘tis God’s gift.

 

                        Be strong!

Say not, “The days are evil, Who’s to blame?”

And fold the hands and acquiesce ---oh shame !

Stand up, speak out, and bravely, in God’s name.

 

                        Be strong!

It matters not how deep intrenched the wrong.

How hard the battle goes, the day how long;

Faint not ---fight on ! Tomorrow comes the sound.

                                                *******

G.R.Kanwal

4 August 2025