The Waves of Chance

Buffeted by the waves of chance,
Uncertain what to do,
We sail the sea of circumstance
A voyage ever new.
The beacon light too often hid,
On which we could rely,
Can Hope betray us? God forbid!
The haven still is nigh.

Buffeted by the waves of chance,
Without the compass--choice,
Neglecting when we should advance
The one directing voice;
Bewildered by the blinding spray
We fail to count the cost,
And court the dangers of delay
When reckonings are lost.

Buffeted by the waves of chance,
Rejecting what is best,
We scan the billows’ wild expanse
An eager, ceaseless quest.
The faithful pilot we have missed,
No fault of his, our own;
It means destruction to desist,--
We battle on alone.

Buffeted by the waves of chance,
Not knowing where to land,
We need a keen, unerring glance,
A firm, a steadfast hand.
The ship of life triumphant glides
Past doubt’s delusive reef,
And joyfully at anchor rides
In yon fair bay--Belief.