Pulling Hard Against The Stream

In this world I've gained my knowledge

But for it have had to pay;

Though I never went to college

Yet I've heard that poets say

Life is like a mighty river

Rolling on from day to day

Men are vessels launched upon it

Sometimes wrecked and cast away.

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So then do your best for one another

Making life a pleasant dream

Help a worn and wearied brother

Pulling hard against the stream.

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Mary a bright, good hearted fellow,

Mary a noble minded man,

Finds himself in water shallow,

Then assist him if you can

Some succeed at every turning,

Fortune favors every scheme,

Others, too, tho more deserving,

Have to pull against the stream.

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If the wind is in your favor

And you've weathered every squall,

Think of those who luckless labor,

Never have fair winds at all

Working hard contended, willing

Struggling thru life's ocean wide,

Not a friend & not a shilling,

Pulling hard against the tide.

Don't give way to foolish sorrow,

Let this keep you in good cheer,

Brighter days may come tomorrow

If you try & persevere,

Darkest nights will have a morning,

Tho the sky be overcast,

Longest lanes must have a turning

And the tide will turn at last.