Start Where You Stand

Start where you stand and never mind the past;

The past won't help you in beginning new;

If you have left it all behind at last

Why, that's enough, you're done with it, you're through;

This is another chapter in the book;

This is another race that you have planned;

Don't give the vanished days a backward look;

Start where you stand.


The world won't care about your old defeats

If you can start anew and win success;

The future is your time, and time is fleet

And there is much of work and stain and stress;

Forget the buried woes and dead despairs;

Here is a brand-new trail right at hand;

The future is for him who does and dares;

Start where you stand.


Old failures will not halt, old triumphs aid;

Today's the thing, tomorrow soon will be;

Get in the fight and face it unafraid,

And leave the past to ancient history;

What has been, has been; yesterday is dead

And by it you are neither blessed nor banned;

Take courage, man, be brave and drive ahead;

Start will you stand.


-----By Berton Braley-----