It was a dark and stormy night
Not a glimmer of starlight
Shone amidst the darkening mist
As onward the ship bore. Waves farthest
Struck the vessel with such force
She was flung from side to side on a dizzy course
Onward. Yet onward. Where the lights?
Where the lighthouse, and the shore? Her plight
Hung desperate in her midst. Said her pilot
I know these shores, and yet in darkness
I hear but the pounding of the waves.
But fortune favors the bold, I'm told
He gains none which ventures none - though cold
The waters, dark the night, I'll venture all
And strike for the creek and bay.
Fierce lashed the storm - not if we had a say!
Never, no never! Stay far away!
And the bold captain venturing all
Flung caution to the wind, and saw
Through a break in the storm the welcome shore
Safe through the rocks, the channel store
Safely onward, the vessel bore
With her stalwart captain at the fore.
And now I ponder - sit and wonder
If never hazard, never hearth and home.
What is worth gaining must be worth the risking
For if one but only stayed at home, moping
There is a lion without, I shall be slain! hoping
Life would be a bed of flowers and ease, bringing
All needs met without fussing,
Disappointment must needs be told
For fortune favors the bold.