Rediscovering “The Winner” by Walt Filkin
A Forgotten Poem with Timeless Courage, & a Reminder to Roll Up Your Sleeves
Who was Walt Filkin?
Known as Missouri’s Poet, Walt Filkin published a collection titled What Wins in 1927. This 160-page book found its way into 1,500 libraries and 2,500 high schools across the United States. His work, though largely forgotten today, carries a spiritual truth that still resonates—especially in moments of doubt and difficulty.
Why this poem matters now
Life often throws us into uncertainty. Doubt creeps in, and if we let it linger, it can harden into fear—paralysing and persistent. In those moments, we need words that remind us of our strength. The Winner is one such poem. It doesn’t shout. It steadies.
The Spartan spirit: a call to action
Filkin’s line—“Go into the fight like a Spartan of old”—isn’t about bravado. It’s about resolve. It’s about showing up when others have already declared defeat. Victory may be just around the corner. We only have to believe, and begin.
The poem: The Winner
They shook their wise heads as some others had done;
They shouted that no one could do it;
They settled the thing ere the task was begun;
It couldn’t be done and they knew it.
Right then came a lad most determined and strong;
If doubt dwelt within he soon hid it;
His face was a star; in his soul was song;
He rolled up his sleeves and he did it.
Some made the suggestion no human could do
The task which the days had assigned them.
Unnumbered passed by and all held the same view;
None sought to put failure behind them.
When out of the somewhere a hero appeared;
No doubt in his heart to forbid it;
And while the whole multitude cowardly jeered,
The strapping young lad up and did it.
Who is it would say that the best move for one
Would be to walk up and surrender,
When later, perhaps, the hard task might be done
By some unpretentious contender?
Go into the fight like a Spartan of old;
Endow it with courage and view it;
Though dismal defeat for the mass it should hold,
You may be the one who will do it.
Gentle reflections for daily life
Roll up your sleeves: Begin, even if the crowd says it’s impossible.
Hide your doubt, not your light: Let your soul sing, even quietly.
Be the unpretentious contender: You don’t need fanfare—just courage.
Face the task: Even if others surrender, you may be the one who will do it.
Closing thought
Filkin’s poem is a quiet lamp in the fog of doubt. Let it remind you: the crowd’s certainty is not your destiny. You may be the one who will do it.
Thank you for reading. I hope you found it enjoyable.