"Teamwork" by Edgar A. Guest

It's all very well to have courage and skill,
And it's fine to be counted a star.
But the single deed with its touch of thrill,
Doesn't tell the crowd you are.

For there's no lone hand in the game we play,
We must work to a bigger scheme.
And the thing that counts in the world today,
Is whether you’re working for the team?

They may sound your praise and call you great,
They may single you out for fame.
But you must work with your running mate,
Or you'll never win the game.

Oh, never the work of life is done,
By the boy with a selfish dream.
For the battle is lost or the battle is won,
By the spirit of the team.

You may think it fine to be praised for skill,
But a greater thing to do.
Is to set your mind and set your will,
On the goal that's just in view.

It's helping your teammate to score,
When his chances hopeless seem.
It’s forgetting self ‘til the game is o'er,
And fighting for the team.