Opportunity, a Poem

OPPORTUNITY.

Monarch of every human being, I. Destiny shapes itself beneath my hand. I rule ambitions lofty as the sky; I pave the way for crime's debasing brand. I'm king of battles, and I'm god of love I govern all below and all above.

And once I come to every one of ye That hour your hope is lost or fortune's made. Act bravely, promptly, for the way is free; And woe to him who hesitates, afraid! I hold in one hand, honor, love, and place; And in the other want, hate, and disgrace; So, when I come, then may your eyes see plain, For slighted once, I never come again. John D. Underwood.