Katherine D. Tillman, "The Worker's Song" (1902)
Sometimes like tired children
We sigh for restful place,
To cuddle and soothe our weary selves,
Ere duties new we face.
But the need of the world is great,
And duty clamors strong;
And off we are at work again,
Battling against the wrong.
The hardest battle waged
Is the war that's on within,
Where the soul must wield its arms,
Against the hosts of sin.
For no true success in battle,
Can come to warriors bold
Until o'er foes within
The victor's place they hold.
Published in Tillman's Recitations, 1902