The Hustler

He starts in the morning exactly on time

     Like an engine all charged for the fray;

From his top to his toe he is proudly aglow

     For the labor that stands in his way.

He picks up his pencil or seizes his rule,

     With an air that is bound to enthuse;

Or he flies o’er the place like a man in a race,

     With the steam coming out of his shoes.

The laggard and loafer ne’er reaches the goal

     He’s behind at the end of the day;

The hustler’s the man who is leading the van,

     Who’s drawing the likeliest pay.

If you want to be happy, and stifle dull care,

     If you want to inspire and enthuse,

If you want to hold sway just start every day

     With the steam coming out of your shoes.

Nov. 21, 1910