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My face is marred by dust and sweat and blood- I strive valiantly, but I still err. I oft fail, but my intentions are good. Until I die, I will never not care; Choose your place to stand, I’ll always be there, And I won’t quit until I hear the bell! **** peace, it is better to die and dare Than to just coast and float atop the swell. They say that Icarus laughed as he fell; For he knew to fall means to once have flown. And as he plummeted down into hell, Lucifer smiled, for his life was his own. Reader! Dare greatly, plant firmly your feet; Fly, soar beyond those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
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Jan 7
Jan 7, 2026 at 1:45 PM UTC
The Man in the Arena
My face is marred by dust and sweat and blood- I strive valiantly, but I still err. I oft fail, but my intentions are good. Until I die, I will never not care; Choose your place to stand, I’ll always be there, And I won’t quit until I hear the bell! **** peace, it is better to die and dare Than to just coast and float atop the swell. They say that Icarus laughed as he fell; For he knew to fall means to once have flown. And as he plummeted down into hell, Lucifer smiled, for his life was his own. Reader! Dare greatly, plant firmly your feet; Fly, soar beyond those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
In reference to the Man in the Arena speech from Theodore Roosevelt.
Wolfnation4800
Written by
17/M/Colorado
Jan 7
Jan 7, 2026 at 1:45 PM UTC
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