Not because of victories
I sing,
having none,
but for the common sunshine,
the breeze,
the largess of the spring.
Not for victory
but for the day’s work done
as well as I was able;
not for a seat upon the dais
but at the common table.
From: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/16822
Date: 1959
By: Charles Reznikoff (1894-1976)