CARRY ON

By: P. Edem Nukunu

CARRY ON

It’s easy to fight when everything’s right,

When you’re mad with the thrill and glory.

It’s easy to cheer when victory is near,

And wallow in fields that are gory.

It’s a different song when everything’s wrong,

When you’re feeling infernally mortal.

When it’s ten against one and there is no hope

Back up little soldier and chortle.

Carry on, carry on! There isn’t much punch in your blow

You’re glaring and staring and biting out blind,

You’re muddy and bloody but never you mind,

Carry on, carry on. You haven’t the ghost of a show.

It’s looking like death, but while you’ve a breath,

Carry on, my son, carry on.

And so in the strife of the battle of life

It’s easy to fight when you’re winning;

It’s easy to slave and slave and be brave,

When the dawn of success is beginning.

But the man who can meet despair and defeat

With a cheer, there’s a man of God’s choosing

The man who can fight to Heaven’s own height

It’s the man who can fight when he’s losing.

Carry on, carry on. Things never were looming so black

But show that you haven’t a cowardly streak,

And though you’re unlucky, you never are weak.

Carry on! Brace up for another attack

It’s looking like hell, but you never can tell.

Carry on, old man! Carry on!

There are some, who drift out in the deserts of doubt,

And some who’s is brutishness wallow,

There are others I know who in piety go

Because of a heaven to follow.

But to labor with zest and to give off your best,

For the sweetness and joy of the giving,

To help folks along with a hand a song,

Why there’s the real joy of living!

Carry on! Carry on! Fight the good fight and true;

Believe in your mission, great life with a cheer;

There’s big work to do and that’s why you are here.

Carry on! Carry on! Let the world be the better for you;

And of last when you die, let this be your cry;

Carry on, my soul! Carry on!