<h2><SPAN name="page26"></SPAN><span class="pagenum"></span>LIFE’S TRACK</h2>
<p class="poetry">This game of life is a dangerous play,<br/>
Each human soul must watch alway,<br/>
From the first to the very last.<br/>
I care not however strong and pure—<br/>
Let no man say he is perfectly sure<br/>
The dangerous reefs are past.</p>
<p class="poetry">For many a rock may lurk near by,<br/>
That never is seen when the tide is high—<br/>
Let no man dare to boast,<br/>
When the hand is full of trumps—beware,<br/>
For that is the time when thought and care<br/>
And nerve are needed most.</p>
<p class="poetry">As the oldest jockey knows to his cost,<br/>
Full many a well-run race is lost<br/>
A brief half length from the wire.<br/>
And many a soul that has fought with sin,<br/>
And gained each battle, at last gives in<br/>
To sudden, fierce desire.</p>
<p class="poetry"><SPAN name="page27"></SPAN><span class="pagenum">p.
27</span>And vain seems the effort of spur and whip,<br/>
Or the hoarse, hot cry of the pallid lip,<br/>
When once we have fallen back.<br/>
It is better to keep on stirrup and rein,<br/>
The steady poise and the careful strain,<br/>
In speeding along Life’s track.</p>
<p class="poetry">A watchful eye and a strong, true hand<br/>
Will carry us under the Judge’s stand,<br/>
If prayer, too, does its part;<br/>
And little by little the struggling soul<br/>
Will grow and strengthen and gain control<br/>
Over the passionate heart.</p>
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