The Day and the Work

To each man is given a day and his
     work for the day;
And once and no more is to be given to
     travel that way.
And woe if he flies from the task,
     whatever the odds.
For the task is appointed to him on
     the scroll of the gods.

To each man is given a marble to
     carve for the wall;
A stone that is needed t heighten the
     beauty of all;
And only his soul has the magic to
     give it grace,
And only his hands have the cunning
     to put it in place.

Yes; the task that is given to each
     man, no other can do;
So the errand is waiting; it has waited
     through ages for you;
And now you appear; and the Hushed
     One is turning His grace
To see what you do with your chance
     in the chamber of days.