The Poetry Corner

Giant Circumstance

By William Arthur Dunkerley (John Oxenham)

Though every nerve be strained To fine accomplishment, Full oft the life fall spent Before the prize is gained. And, in our discontent At waste so evident, In doubt and vast discouragement We wonder what is meant. But, tracing back, we find A Power that held the ways-- A Mighty Hand, a Master Mind, That all the troubled course defined And overruled the days. Some call it Fate; some--Chance; Some--Giant Circumstance; And some, upreaching to the sense Of God within the circumstance, Do call it--Providence!