The New North West

STAND ALONE
There are times to mingle forces.
One great purpose to enthrone,
As from scores of trickling courses
Sweeping streams of might are grown,
But. when private ends are brewing,
With a firmness all your own,
Sleeplessly your duty doing.
Still your own set way pursuing
Stand alone!
Cliques and clubs are mortal crutches
Signifying doubt in Self:
Leagues and factions foil the clutches
That should feel from shelf to shelf.
Up the crags of life's endeavor.
Unassisted. stone by stone,
Foot by foot, unswerving never;
Individual aim should ever
Stand alone.
Natures weak in herds commingle
For the small affairs of life,
While the stronger. bravely single,
Rush into the varied strife
Of exchange, or trade, or science,
With their pennants proud outblown,
Setting danger at defiance.
And, with noble self-reliance,
Stand alone.
Scorn not toils and hopes of others
Growing sad in doubt and fear-
Ever lend to struggling brothers
Hand of help and smile of cheer:
But accept not what, unsparing,
From your own proud strength is strown,
And, self-poised, self-centred, daring.
Though the strife be long and wearing,
Stand alone.
Stand alone! The labor thriveth
Which, unaided, plods and delves,
And her favors faith contriveth
For the hands that help themselves.
Oft 'tis best our mights to mingle,
One vast purpose to enthrone;
But. when Self begins to tingle
With conceptions all her own.
Firm, undaunted, proud and single
Stand alone!