William T. Barks; Alexander’s Magazine, July 1906

A problem great the Negro he must face
If to loftier heights he would lift his race. In his hands are held his people’s destiny–
Their betterment in effort his[?] he wills it far or nigh.
The means to be employed are just the same,
That lifts all other races up to greatness and to fame.
It always was since time began,
And always will be to the end.
The men that soar aloft to higher planes,
Must do the most to head the van
And idle not their time away,
And front duty must not stray,
But self reliant, independent the race must be,
To win life’s goal and far ahead to see.
by vigilance and hard labor wrought–
By ceaseless toil the foremost place in life is bought.
Only he who fights can win,
With a head that’s clear and eyes not dim.
The man of energy and courage great,
To him success will always come soon or late.
His mind on some deep purpose is firmly fix,
Cowardice and courage cannot mix.
There is a maxim old as man himself,
Which says, “In roving tribes there never dwells,
The elements that makes a people great.”
Nor high to make the worth of man and women rate,
Their home, accumulation, and product;
Alertness, temperance, energy, and good conduct,
That forces states and races to the front,
Of which the family and religion is the font
In property, possession, fixed place of living, where,
The man has all in life that is dear,
Incentive lifts him far above the groveling mass.
Success and progress great he thus has made.
Crowned in achievement thus he leads his race,
In things that are noble grand and high.
He stands alone the foremost in the world,
And far behind he leaves belittling sloth.
And thus his Maker’s will he faithfully fulfills–
He lifts his fellowman and his mission now is done
And in that everlasting home above,
To be rewarded for his deeds of truth and love.
A blessing to his race he leaves behind a name that’s good,
Example bright and duty done to others and to his God.

(Punctuation is unclear in original.)

[This poem appears in two categories: “Hope and the Future” and “Pride and Accomplishments.”]