Classic Poem

White possibility! Before thee now,
With chisel and with mallet in my hand.
A musing artist, hesitant I stand,
And wonder with what shape I'll thee endow,—
A grand Athene, with majestic brow;
A raging Fury, with her flaming brand;
Diana, leading on her huntress band;
Or sea-nymph sporting round some rippling prow?

Or shall I carve out Aphrodite fair,
Who melteth with her eyes the hearts of men?
Or, better yet, I'll make a Victory,
Whose upward look shall rouse men from despair,
Discouraged souls thrill with new hope again,
And give them strength to bear and do and be.