Then Laugh Comments

When I was in High School in the late 40's we each had to find a poem that meant something to us. I typed this poem, folded it and kept it in my wallet. Whenever problems arose I would get this paper out and read the poem. It really helped me get through my teenage years. I am now 86 and I still enjoy reading it.

I've had this poem in my Bible since I was a teenager the early 1960's. I loved it so much that I memorized it, including the author's name, Bertha Adams Bakus. I'm curious to know why John Hazon Palen says he wrote the poem. Mr. Palen left out a curtail line in his version. The third line in the poem should read, When it's strong as your hand can make it, . Mr. Palen gives a nod to Miss Bakus but says he wrote it. (?) .