{"id":1835,"date":"2009-02-21T20:46:23","date_gmt":"2009-02-22T02:46:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/artofmanliness.com\/?p=1835"},"modified":"2021-06-03T10:12:43","modified_gmt":"2021-06-03T15:12:43","slug":"manvotional-playing-the-game","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.artofmanliness.com\/character\/manly-lessons\/manvotional-playing-the-game\/","title":{"rendered":"Manvotional: Playing the Game"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Vintage<\/p>\n

Image from paoloboza<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

I ran across this poem by an anonymous author the other day. I think it sums up nicely how a man should approach life: play fair, don’t whine when things don’t go your way, and bust your butt in everything you do. Play the game of life well, and you’ll be a success.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Life is a game with a glorious prize,
\nIf we can only play it right.
\nIt is give and take, build and break,
\nAnd often it ends in a fight;
\nBut he surely wins who honestly tries
\n(Regardless of wealth or fame),
\nHe can never despair who plays it fair
\nHow are you playing the game?<\/p>\n

Do you wilt and whine, if you fail to win
\nIn the manner you think your due?
\nDo you sneer at the man in case that he can
\nAnd does, do better than you?
\nDo you take your rebuffs with a knowing grin?
\nDo you laugh tho’ you pull up lame?
\nDoes your faith hold true when the whole world’s blue?
\nHow are you playing the game?<\/p>\n

Get into the thick of it – wade in, boys!
\nWhatever your cherished goal;
\nBrace up your will till your pulses thrill,
\nAnd you dare to your very soul!
\nDo something more than make a noise;
\nLet your purpose leap into flame
\nAs you plunge with a cry, “I shall do or die,”
\nThen you will be playing the game.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Do you have an idea for a Manvotional?<\/strong> I could use your help. Please email<\/a> me any inspiring poems or essays that you think AoM readers would enjoy. I’ll of course attribute the Manvotional to you and you can bask in the glory of a well-deserved hat tip.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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