This poem was written by my favorite poet, Robert Service. I even like his name! Robert was a "Jack of all Trades" in the early 20th Century. He was a Medic in World War I and spent time in the Northwest and Yukon Territories.

He used his various experiences as the subjects of many of his poems and his use of colorful word pictures conjure images that are surreal and serene!  His style is that of the common man.  He manages to put into words many things that we pass by daily without notice.

This poem encapsulates the never ending struggle for success and the realization that success isn't necessarily status.  That the "struggle" of life is where the living is.  That we often don't realize this until it's too late.  And if we live long enough, and we're lucky, Life will give us another chance.

Although the poem was written in 1911, it could just as easily be called "The Spell of the Silicon" symbolizing today's search for wealth.  This poem is like a tonic to me to "center" myself and focus on what is truly important.  I hope it speaks to you in much the same way.