Classic Poem

Sometime I'll perform such a wonderful deed
That men will grow breathless and pale when they read;
Some day I'll triumphantly spring with a bound
From the midst of all creatures that walk on the ground;
And suddenly sprouting my wings, I will rise
To the heavens of fame, the observed of all eyes.
Oh, it makes my pulse throb, and it makes my blood warm
When I think of this wonderful deed I'll perform,
Some day — not now.

Sometime in the beautiful future I'll sing
A song that more clear than a trumpet shall ring;
Some day, when I feel my heart thrill through and through
With love for the lovely, the good and the true,
When my brain is illumined with heavenly ire,
And the wrongs of humanity fill me with fire,
Oh, then I will sing such a magical song,
Such a cry for the right, such a blow at the wrong,
Some day — not now.

Sometime I will lay all my cowardice by,
And will dauntlessly look the whole world in the eye.
Some day I will dare the false creeds of the hour,
And will bid high defiance to custom and power.
Vain, vain to attack me with sneer or with taunt,
When my black flag you see me courageously flaunt.
Oh, I take off my cap and I drop on my knee,
And I worship the man that I am going to be
Some day — not now.

Sometime I will suddenly, quietly prove
That a man can jolt out of his natural groove;
Some day I will leave all my follies behind,
All my faults I will scornfully cast to the wind,
Emerging at once from the man I have been,
Like a serpent is said to crawl out of his skin.
Oh, it gives me such comfort to know I shall stand
With those who'll be valiant and noble and grand
Some day — not now.