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1850–1919

LIFE'S CAR

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

‘ Hurry up!’ No lingering by old doors of doubt - No loitering by the way, No waiting a To-morrow car,

When you can board To-day. Success is somewhere down the track; Before the chance is gone Accelerate your laggard pace,

Swing on, I say, swing on - Hurry up! ‘ Step lively!’ Belated souls are following fast,

They shout and signal,‘ Wait.’ Conductor Time brooks no delay, He rings the bell of Fate. But you can give the man behind,

With one hand on the bar, A final chance to brook defeat, And board the moving car. Step lively!

‘ Move up!’ Make way for others as you sit Or stand. This crowded earth Has room for every journeying soul

En route to higher birth. Ay, room and comfort, if no one Took double share or space, Nor let his greed and selfishness

Absorb another's place. Move up! ‘ Hold fast!’ The jolting switch of obstacles

With jarring rails is near. Stand firm of foot, be strong of grip, Brace well and have no fear. The Maker of the Car of Life

Foresaw that curve — Despair, And hung the straps of faith, and hope So you might grasp them there. Hold fast!

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LIFE'S CAR · Ella Wheeler Wilcox · Poetry Cove