English poem
Men often strive my first to gain
by Carolyn Wells (1862–1942)
Men often strive my first to gain By strength or skill, by speed or worth; It causes deepest woe and pain, It causes also joy and mirth.
I watched a tennis-player serve, And through the air the ball whizzed fast, But took an unexpected curve; The umpire said it was my last.
With thoughtful eyes and puzzled brow, It is my whole you ’re reading now.