The Torch Bearer

Each of us have been born with special talents that God gave us so we might use them to benefit the lives of others. As we do, our own lives will be blessed as well. I love the following poem because its a great reminder to stay humble and recognize that our gifts are just an instrument to be used for the good of others – it’s not about us, its about the people we serve:

The Torch Bearer
The God of the High Endeavor
Gave me a torch to bear.
I lifted it high above me
In the dark and murky air;

And straightway with loud hosannas
The crowd proclaimed its light
And followed me as I carried my torch
Through the starless night,

Till drunk with people’s praises
And mad with vanity
I forgot ’twas the torch they followed
And fancied they followed me.

Then slowly my arm grew weary
Upholding the shining load
And my tired feet went stumbling
Over the dusty road.

I fell with the torch beneath me.
In a moment the light was out.
When lo! from the throng a stripling
Sprang forth with a mighty shout,

Caught up the torch as it smoldered,
And lifted it high again,
Till fanned by the winds of heaven,
It fired the souls of men.

And as I lay in the darkness
The feet of the trampling crowd
Passed over and far beyond me,
Its paeans proclaimed around,

And I learned in the deepening twilight
This glorious verity,
‘Tis the torch that the people follow,
Whoever the bearer may be.

 —Author unknown

Have a wonderful start to your week!

~Amy Rees Anderson

2 Comments

  • Susan Joice says:

    I have been trying to find this poem since high school where I first heard it. Poem sites don’t carry it because they are usually listed by author. Thank you so much for putting it on your blog where I was able to find it through google. I love it and have spent hours looking for it! Thanks so much!!

  • Barbara Bradley says:

    I first read this poem when I was 18 yrs
    I’m now 70yrs,have never forgotten the impact it had on me have searched over the years..I wanted to remember it always. I could neverfind it again until now!!I read it again .. am still inspired and in awe of the unknown Author

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