The Goodly Road

I came to the crossroads quite alone
And pondered the way that I should take.
To the left or to the right, if I would
                    good fortune make.
The left road led to easy street
Lawless scruples there held sway
The right road to a goodly life
With harder work and smaller pay.
I pondered yet a moment still,
Then to the right I swiftly strode.
Poor in silver, yet rich in heart,
For I had chose the goodly road.

By Treva E. Stokes (1912-1980)