sometimes I think the Fates must grin

as we denounce them and insist

the only reason we can't win

is the Fates themselves that miss.

yet there lives on the ancient claim:

we win or lose within ourselves

the shining trophies on our shelves 

can never win tomorrow's game.

you and I know deeper down

there's always a chance to win the crown

but when we fail to give our best

we simply haven't met the test

of giving all and saving none

until the game is really won.

of showing what is meant by grit

of playing through when others quit

of playing through not letting up

it's bearing down that wins the cup.

of dreaming there's a goal ahead

of hoping when our dreams are dead

of praying when our hopes have fled

yet losing, not afraid to fall

if bravely we have given all.

for who can ask more of a man

that giving all within his span.

giving all it seems to me

is not so far from victory.

and so the fates are seldom wrong

no matter how they twist and wind

it's you and I who make our fates-

we open up or close the gates 

on the road ahead or the road behind.

- George Moriarty, The Road Ahead or The Road Behind.