Rev. P.A. Scott, "Aim High" (1902)
On the lower plain to rest;
Leave the vale of fear and doubting,
Sight the highlands, mount the crest!
At the tree tops look, whose branches
You may stand among, somewhere,
And the glittering stars, whose glory,
Some day, you may proudly share.
Let no lurid skies appall thee,
Turn not from thy chosen field;
For, before undaunted courage,
Every barrier must yield.
Strength of will, and dint of purpose
Harbingers of power and might
Break the ramparts, storm the bulwarks,
Turning darkness into light.
Lives of great men set before us
Gleaming hopes, and brightening skies,
Showing us that fame and honor
Wait for those who strive to rise.
Aim high, then; wait not tomorrow,
For some cherished goal to start,
But today, go forth, with courage;
From thy purpose ne'er depart.
Work and pray, be ever mindful
Of the victories achieved
By the brave, who've fought, and conquered,
And the prize, with joy, received.
In the world's great field of action,
Stout thine heart, and ply thy brain;
Set thy meager world in motion,
By thy powers of might and main.
Know no fear, but that of evil,
Scorn no state, but that of slave;
Keep thy heart in truth and honor,
Manhood's banner proudly wave.
Press thy way; aim high, still higher;
Scale the mountain's lofty height;
Golden diadems of glory
Beckon thee to Freedom's light.
Published in Colored American Magazine, September 1902