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Poem of the Week: How Did You Die?

April 8, 2013 11:32 am

I had a  very bad week last week,  so I’m hoping this one has some better stuff ahead. Ergo, in honor of what is going to be an amazing week (I so decree it; ergo it must be), here is one of my favorite poems! It really does cheer me up–mainly because it makes me draw back my shoulders and say “Bring it On!” 🙂  

How Did You Die

by Edmund Vance Cooke

Did you tackle that trouble that came your way
With a resolute heart and cheerful?
Or hide your face from the light of day
With a craven soul and fearful?
 

Girl hiding

 
Oh, a trouble’s a ton, or a trouble’s an ounce
Or a trouble is what you make it.
And It isn’t the fact that you’re hurt that counts,
But Only, How Did You Take It?
 
Man kneeling with head between knees

Hurt by Mrs-Alphabet
Click on the image to go to her page

 
You’re beaten to the earth? Well, well what’s that?
Come up with a smiling face.
It’s nothing against you to fall down flat, 
But to lie there? That’s Disgrace.
 
girl kneeling in shower

“We All Fall Down” by AutumnforAlways Click image for link to artist’s page

The harder you’re thrown, why the higher you bounce!
Be proud of your blackened eye!
It isn’t the fact that you’re licked that counts,
But how did you fight, and why?
 
Knight kneeling before his lady
 
And though you be done to death, what’s then?
If You battled the best you could.
If you played your part in the world of men,
Why, the critic will call it good.
 
girl with ball of light

“Today, It’s You” by Sarasmunilla Click the image for the artist’s page

 
Death comes with a crawl, or comes with a pounce;
And whether he’s slow or spry,
It isn’t the fact that you’re dead that counts,
But only How Did You Die?
 
Sunflower

“Fighting the Grey” by MyArms-YourHearse
Click the image for the artist’s page

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