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ReadingWillow structured literacy program for Australian students
Poetry Library

— Stephen Crane

I stood upon a high place,

And saw, below, many devils

Running, leaping,

And carousing in sin.

…

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adjective

Engaged in or ready for action; characterized by energetic work, thought, or speech.

“The students were very active in class discussions, asking many thoughtful questions.”

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KEEP A-PLUGGIN' AWAY

40 lines
Paul Laurence Dunbar·1872–1906·modernist literature
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've a humble little mottoThat is homely, though it 's true,--Keep a-pluggin' away.It's a thing when I 've an objectThat I always try to do,--Keep a-pluggin' away.When you 've rising storms to quell,When opposing waters swell,It will never fail to tell,--Keep a-pluggin' away. If the hills are high beforeAnd the paths are hard to climb,Keep a-pluggin' away.And remember that successesCome to him who bides his time,--Keep a-pluggin' away.From the greatest to the least,None are from the rule released.Be thou toiler, poet, priest,Keep a-pluggin' away. Delve away beneath the surface,There is treasure farther down,--Keep a-pluggin' away.Let the rain come down in torrents,Let the threat'ning heavens frown,Keep a-pluggin' away.When the clouds have rolled away,There will come a brighter dayAll your labor to repay,--Keep a-pluggin' away. There 'll be lots of sneers to swallow,There 'll be lots of pain to bear,--Keep a-pluggin' away.If you 've got your eye on heaven,Some bright day you 'll wake up there,--Keep a-pluggin' away.Perseverance still is king;Time its sure reward will bring;Work and wait unwearying,--Keep a-pluggin' away.
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