Wilcox read by Classic Poetry Aloud:

http://www.classicpoetryaloud.com

Giving voice to the poetry of the past.

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Show me the Way

by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Show me the way that leads to the true life.

I do not care what tempests may assail me,

I shall be given courage for the strife;

I know my strength will not desert or fail me;

I know that I shall conquer in the fray:

Show me the way.

Show me the way up to a higher plane,

Where body shall be servant to the soul.

I do not care what tides of woe or pain

Across my life their angry waves may roll,

If I but reach the end I seek, some day:

Show me the way.

Show me the way, and let me bravely climb

Above vain grievings for unworthy treasures;

Above all sorrow that finds balm in time;

Above small triumphs or belittling pleasures;

Up to those heights where these things seem child's-play:

Show me the way.

Show me the way to that calm, perfect peace

Which springs from an inward consciousness of right;

To where all conflicts with the flesh shall cease,

And self shall radiate with the spirit's light.

Though hard the journey and the strife, I pray,

Show me the way.

Reading © Classic Poetry Aloud, 2008.