The Proof Of Worth

This is a poem by Edgar Albert Guest written for a very different world in the 20th century. It may seem a bit out of place in today's society but in my opinion, its message remains still clear and strong. I always wanted to make a snowy video for this poem and this year I was lucky enough to see snow in Thessaloniki. I hope you like it.
Forever Humbled,
a kid with a camera
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🔰The Proof Of Worth by Edgar Albert Guest
Though victory's proof of the skill you possess,
Defeat is the proof of your grit;
A weakling can smile in his days of success,
But at trouble's first sign he will quit.
So the test of the heart and the test of your pluck
Isn't skies that are sunny and fair,
But how do you stand to the blow that is struck
And how do you battle despair?
A fool can seem wise when the pathway is clear
And it's easy to see the way out,
But the test of man's judgment is something to fear,
And what does he do when in doubt?
And the proof of his faith is the courage he shows
When sorrows lie deep in his breast;
It's the way that he suffers the griefs that he knows
That brings out his worst or his best.
The test of a man is how much he will bear
For a cause which he knows to be right,
How long will he stand in the depths of despair,
How much will he suffer and fight?
There are many to serve when the victory's near
And few are the hurts to be borne,
But it calls for a leader of courage to cheer
The men in a battle forlorn.
It's the way you hold out against odds that are great
That proves what your courage is worth,
It's the way that you stand to the bruises of fate
That shows up your stature and girth.
And victory's nothing but proof of your skill,
Veneered with a glory that's thin,
Unless it is proof of unfaltering will,
And unless you have suffered to win.

[@phantommemes4315]

This is how poetry needed to evolve to stay relevant in the age of the internet. Its more powerful this way than its ever been. Illneas you might as well become a bridge that helps that transittion.

[@makeuplily]

I agree...

[@mexanx]

... or more like translation

[@illneas]

Personally I don't see it as a transition. Poetry in written form remains beautiful and unforgotten and it will stay that for many years. The part of this project that gets me excited is the lack of distinct labels that characterize it. These videos don't fall in one the category like poetry, film, photography, spoken word or music. To me it's like a choreography of many elements to evoke a certain message and feeling. I'm extremely grateful that this kind of creation, even though it wasn't distinct, it was welcomed by a part of the internet. It's unique.

[@Diana-gt1rv]

I totally agree! The combination of poetry and music and voice makes it so much more dramatic.

[@johnsrome8459]

@@illneas Totally agree with you, buddy! I'm rather tired of reading the requests to turn the music down, for example (I did it too, btw, before I came to understand how these productions really work). Every element is designed to contribute towards an emotional aggregate. The music doesn't operate as just a pleasant background, it's as much a part of the overall experience as the visuals or the recital. It's all choreographed, to steal your term, into one meaningful performance, a unique digital experience. For what it's worth, I rather like it! And you can play it back again! 😁

[@sayantani3374]

Sometimes we need to feel worthless in order to realise how much we actually mean to ourselves, to our loved ones and to this world.

[@emisbutapoem9503]

exactly

[@jonnyboy5357]

Amen brother

[@insomniacbabe712]

I'm battling everyday as much as I can, but I'm getting more and more tired. I just hope that through endurance and courage I will help somebody else and maybe save myself, one day. I wish everyone reading this a glimpse of serenity and joy, you deserve it. - a lost girl in Italy.

[@phoebebee4250]

You are not alone. Other people are hoping the best for you.

[@jannatuladnin6241]

May you find peace, love and light within you ❤️ - a girl from Bangladesh, South Asia.

[@714rsturk]

Insomniac girl, what brings you such despair? Maybe there's help. I'm really curious to know. I'd like to help, even in a small way. Stay strong

[@mexanx]

Everything will make sense, trust @illeneas

[@adorablerepresentativem.co6036]

I hope you win yr battles and succeed

[@kaeyana8541]

"A fool can seem wise when the pathway is clear " true that

[@xatiter]

Im the fool

[@veronikayuliani5310]

I am

[@johnsrome8459]

@@xatiter Weren't you the guy who embarrassed me with your flattering comments about my commentaries recently? Why on earth are you defining yourself as a fool? You have the guts to open up and publicly celebrate another persons' abilities (I’m not going to enter a debate about whether your compliments were valid or not, that’s not the point). You any idea how much resistance there is to such emotional honesty towards strangers? Toxicity (regardless of gender orientation) barely scratches the surface of how deleterious and self-harming such inculcated, deluded notions of appropriate behaviour can be. You rise above it, Zakaizu. Your kind words may save someone's life one day. How do you know otherwise? It’s worth the risk. Like Prince Myshkin in Dostoevsky’s The Idiot, you may occasionally feel or even be treated as a fool but that’s only because your sensibilities are not calloused by aggressive, Post-Darwinian notions of rugged individualism within civil society. Kindness is weakness. The strongest candidate always prevails. Utter bullshit. Be proud that you have the courage to let your Bluebird sing, my friend.

[@rabbiamehmood476]

Its saddening and empowering at the same time.

[@illneas]

Relate

[@rishitaumasankaran7159]

yes

[@introvertedjamaicanpoet3768]

Indeed

[@egloveall4166]

Dear a kid with a camera, I love hearing poems for the first time. The best way to fight our own minds is looking into others minds. Everyone will feel not good at some point in their life but to be able to confide in other people is a great gift. Keep creating, An internet friend

[@illneas]

"unless you have suffered to win" take care Internet friend

[@rasheedaz7059]

Illneas...your skill is the proof of humanity's improvement..I love who you are and I love the way you make this world a bit more appreciative

[@illneas]

that's so nice thank you

[@finitudeimperial8930]

@@illneas I second that

[@aranduslarson1438]

“bruises of fate” love that

[@illneas]

Me too

[@damianhuman]

This is the perfect rhyme scheme. Lines 1 and 3, and lines 2 and 4. There are also 8 lines in a stanza, which is enough to convey a lot of information without becoming too wordy. Incredible poetry from the 20th century.

[@GeorgeMoulos]

As soon as I saw it snowing in Greece I knew youd come out with a gorgeous snowy video

[@illneas]

Hahaha I'm that obvious huh ?

[@GeorgeMoulos]

@@illneas hahaha oxi re, the melancholic look of Greece in the snow matches many of the poems vibes, including this one!

[@mapleleaf922]

I think you need to know this. Whenever I'm on my lows, I find myself coming to this channel and play all these videos. Even during happy moments, seeing this channel gives different energy to my soul. Its a good feeling. Realisation, that this world isnt so bad. Thank you so much.

[@illneas]

I'm glad it helps

[@its_leyl.a]

The snowy landscape really fits well with the poem. Reflecting the strive and grit of dealing with your failure. Beautiful video as always

[@illneas]

a poet like yourself revealed the metaphor

[@its_leyl.a]

@@illneas that made me so happy!

[@ButerWarrior44]

I don’t get it. How is the snow strive and grit?

[@jannatuladnin6241]

Thanks man! May you get all the warmth and love that your works embrace us with. A tight hug and a fist bump.

[@illneas]

Thank you man for the compliment, sending the best

[@tasnimmeem1158]

Dear a kid with a camera, Thank you. These are days when I want to give up almost every moment. But I try to keep on going, by continuously asking myself to hold on for just another moment. Your works help me tremendously. Thank you. Stay blessed.

[@InspirationFromThePast]

Wow this is an excellent poem by Edgar A. Guest he wrote a lot of poems like this one, but I didn't came across this particular one up till now and I must admit it was brilliant.

[@chrissmith-sm8kw]

That is deep. I cried. It literally hurt listening to that.

[@illneas]

Damn man, thank you for sharing thatv

[@chrissmith-sm8kw]

@@illneas your welcome. Keep doing what your doing. People need to have those moments. Helps people remember they are alive& what life is truly about!

[@safim8217]

Wow. This has to be one of my favourites from you. ♡♡ (+ snowy Greece is beautiful) *Just wanted to add I really liked the inclusion of the graveyard at 00:50. Maybe its just me but visits to graveyards really have a positive effect on me. They provide a really powerful positive reminder of mortality (since life can sometimes feel painfully endless when you are in the dark).. seeing those graves is an expression of since we have a limited amount of time here lets make the most of it- its a simple thing but its so easily forgotten when deep in the chaos of life. Graveyard visits - my way of keeping in touch with reality. And what a tangent that was..

[@illneas]

I love snow, thank you for your kind words and input

[@ElysEpicAdventure]

And also when you have braved the depths of the dark, the successes are felt even more.

[@iamnayannilim]

My courage is worthy. Don't you think that sometimes giving up is the best option? Thank You For this beautiful Poem.

[@noorabd6185]

You know, we should open this masterpiece in every morning, to help us keep going in this hard life... you know, this marvelous video reminded me about this book” man’s searching for meaning” Idk why, but it’s like a way to adopt(superficially) with this life but keeping ourselves safe(from inside) so that we won’t move with the flock, so we look brave, but weeping inside, and that’s just ok... ok to keep going...maybe to our lost dreams💔 Thank you

[@philipsvensson9368]

Imagine when you have 1million subs. It's not about "if", it's about "when". Your time will come brother!! I really like your videos, the poetry, the visions I get, the feelings I feel. Its beautiful!!

[@illneas]

The size of this community is already beyond my expectations but I appreciate the optimism.

[@philipsvensson9368]

@@illneas Great to hear! But more will come, I can promise you that :)

[@xatiter]

Been going through some rough times. This really helps; thank you

[@illneas]

I'm glad it helps

[@cameoninja]

Each time I watch something of yours it is perfectly complimented by the poetry, the visuals, the music, and choice of narrator sending chills throughout bringing life and also reminding me of the power of true collaborative art forms

[@illneas]

That means a lot and I'm lucky work with talented narrators.

[@cameoninja]

@@illneas thank you for the mental transport

[@creativitylive]

Poetry can love, hate, heal and destroy, hurt and rejoice and always does it beautifully

[@Elonyson]

I have written so many poems and they have changed so much throughout the years, but I still love writing every single one of them. Even though no one will read them, I put all my heart and soul on each one. I can only imagine how it would feel seeing them being read like this on one of your videos. Keep up the good work, dear kid with a camera. Sincerely, a kid with a pen.

[@devrim-oguz]

I'm so glad that you got to film the snow

[@gaganamanjunath732]

I have to admit that ilneas youtube channel is the main reason why I've startedy youtube channel

[@illneas]

I'm honored, good luck in your journey

[@gaganamanjunath732]

@@illneas Blessed ❤️

[@kalenab7431]

Feeling this poem and video are so very timely, as we will all fight in the battle of our lives this year. A year of unknowns, with an invisible enemy afoot, a killer. We must all be our own heroes and take the gamble, but move with defined, adamant direction. May we all rise to the challenge and prevail while looking into the scorching heat of a setting sun. One of many...

[@Arjun-xv7zm]

You work is getting better and better by every video Just one request from a subscriber, A Buckwoski poem would really get us in the zone back again PS: Just a request, I loved the recent works

[@raagtoska]

I second this 😁

[@vareeshakhan191]

Omg yes PLS CHARLES BUKWoski

[@Arjun-xv7zm]

@@vareeshakhan191 yes but lately Illneas has been posting his own work on videos, I love that too Buckwoski can wait now lol😂

[@raagtoska]

A victim mind is what comfort plays A seed,adrift in a river lays The river be destiny,the seed a life Limp,flaccid no eternal strife But Behold the palate of its yellow hue The color compact ,in measure never due The color be identity and pestilence never struck The little yellow seed,adrift ;amuck The river be destiny and the seed a life Halted in bedrocks,set free by flux An undercurrent, An existential crux But Behold the palate of its yellow hue The color compact,in measure never due And slowly it made it to the green pasture Where the river ended A seedling grew with a story of rapture Raag~ Thank you for this video,bro

[@bucketbill1150]

The cinematography is so good

[@illneas]

Thank you mate means a lot

[@ame8710]

Beautiful. This makes me cry. We have gone through so much in this life. Together or alone. And it is both sweet and painful.

[@hannasandwitch8337]

theres something about the scene with the dog surrounded by birds that was so solemn? like idk if the dog was a stray or not but of it is, it's like the scene is conveying that even when in despair to not fall victim to it by preying on others. like how the possibly stray and hungry dog didnt hunt the birds.

[@michaelonwuamaegbu1637]

I’m a simple man, I see illneas post, I click. That simple

[@illneas]

Hahaha thanks

[@michaelonwuamaegbu1637]

@@illneas your videos have had a profound impact on my world view. Very inspirational. Thank you!

[@rebekahlafever333]

@@michaelonwuamaegbu1637 Very well put. That's how I feel! Thank you... ... 💚

[@michaelonwuamaegbu1637]

@@rebekahlafever333 🙏🏾

[@user78324]

the blue filter really fits the city's vibe

[@pavuluriviratchowdary4480]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I fail every time when I despair to win. I'm asking myself and searching for answers to my questions but I didn't recognise how much I'm tired to pickup a battle wholeheartedly. I'm speechless, I don't know how to put it in words but one thing I will make sure that I start endurance training mentally. Thanks again. I'm worthy 🌊

[@johnsrome8459]

"Unless you have suffered to win" you have never really won at all. I suspect the greatest wins in life are a secret, frankly (I’m primarily thinking about the small, seemingly insignificant things we do to survive and help others do the same. Smiling at a stranger. Letting someone go ahead of you in a queue. Phoning a loved one. Getting out of bed when you really don’t see the godamn point. No trophies. No accolades. Just a constant stream of secret wins over the inherent suffering of cyclical existence). As always, thank you, illneas. This is exquisite. Until next time. ❣️

[@illneas]

Maybe all the great things remain a secret, because nobody bothers to inform the rest of their existence.

[@johnsrome8459]

@@illneas Dunno! Couldn’t say. I just felt like revisiting this elegant production & got caught up in adding a few words I meant to include last month. ❤️

[@Zeibebeka]

So talented! Beautiful and once again so much speaking to my soul's journey... a bit like a prophecy

[@matthewmclaughlin7472]

Absolutely FANTASTIC. Absolutely well done brother. ❤️🙏

[@illneas]

Thank you man

[@goodgoing8568]

Very true....a weakling can smile on his days of success... Illneas...your work really motivates me -well wishes from India💞

[@octaviuskane1941]

We are all worth more than its even possible to gauge, but at the same time we're all worthless. To me that's a truly freeing thought. It's the worth we give ourselves that matters.

[@maryclogston]

this is what ive been trying to tell myself but i didnt have the words and the message is just so much better retained through this so thank you :)

[@tulipjan]

Only you can do it. Another beautiful one. ❤

[@illneas]

Thank youuuu

[@Ayush_kumar123]

Words Meaning Forlorn: unlikely to succeed Despair: loss of hope Bruises: injury on skin Stature: quality or status gained by achievement Girth: a persons measure around the waist Veneered: cover or disguise (someone or something's true nature) with an attractive appearance. Glory: honour won by notable achievements Unfaltering: firm unfaltering loyalty

[@saad.bukhari]

This is such a moving poem, the piano piece goes well with it too

[@aleezahaq6603]

This has given me the strength to not give up the path I have taken...thank you so much for such inspirational content....it is so amazing that without even knowing who you are or even without speaking a word with you I was just able to get motivation only through the beautiful content you had put up on this channel.... Love your videos 💕❤️

[@illneas]

aww this means a lot

[@ditawihandoko3918]

Whoever you are, thank you. Gives my mind a strong reflection, of what bravery and strength trully mean. May you have a blessed life

[@ritikajyala]

These edits live in my mind rent free✨

[@aanyavinod3498]

Well, this was beyond beautiful. Something that I needed to hear today. Fate works in mysterious ways

[@rosaartemisg5027]

Perfect everything! Words spoken , cinematography , soft music 🎶…. Proudly shared on LinkedIn 🙏❤️👏

[@sourabhmore2302]

A kid with a camera - you make me fall in love with poetry and literature. I am a literature student and 1 day hope to make this world a better place inspired by you🙏

[@TheAngelina79]

This is absolutely beautiful!

[@meghnasingh3743]

In my moments of despair or tiredness, I like to watch these. These poems are healing self talks. I don't know what personal life you live, Illneas, but look at the subscriptions and the views, you're helping so many.

[@user-ng3bg7qw2d]

Perfection my friend. You never cease to amaze me. Never stop for you are truly a treasure. Thank you for sharing your gift. 🤘🙏❤

[@theranpan_]

Thank you

[@cocakoala9970]

Can't thank you enough for bringing this :)

[@derjer]

This immediately brings to mind the Incredibly Wrongful Imprisonment and Empowering Enduring Inspirational Spirit of Leonard Peltier. I am near the end of his book Prison Writings. Thanks for creating this.

[@githala_manisha]

The way you presented this piece makes it much more impactful ❤️❤️

[@williamthomas270]

I really needed this.

[@zhaw4821]

Thank you! And Thank you for showing Thessaloniki! Thessalonian in California

[@bis0nk1ng36]

"victory's nothing but proof of your skill"...

[@LukeMlsna]

Beautiful. Truly

[@poems3032]

Poetry has changed much. But the more you read these old poems, the more relevant they seem. Poetry is nothing but a love letter for the heart. And you're doing a good job in keeping it alive. Keep doing what you're doing. It's lovely!

[@colej236]

God damn amazing 👏 might be the best poem yet.

[@lizard1533]

Thankyou

[@uneducatedandopinionated8936]

Always a pleasure to have you back my friend

[@yeahno8294]

I feel this deep to my core you are amazing and Charles Bukowski was an amazing visionary.

[@anatasialydianasusan262]

I love this channel so much!!!

[@illneas]

Big hugs

[@maydavalle]

how do you battle despair but the test of man’s judgement is something to fear And what does he do when in doubt? when sorrows💔 lie deep in his breast the griefs that he knows💙

[@h.cacophonia3555]

Is it even possible to fall for someone else's voice this hard ?

[@dreamergr]

Βλεπω με τα χιονια πριν ένα μήνα, πηρες την κάμερα και βγήκες στους δρόμους. Εξαιρετικό βίντεο άλλη μια φορά :)

[@marcusaurelius2242]

Most of my life I believed I had achieved "something." I overcame heinous childhood abuse and somehow managed to forge financial success, thinking this was the "end all, be all." The proverbial "handwriting was on the wall" for me." was apparent at age 18, when I suffered my first "illness." There were many addictions splattered throughout my formative years. Through my squandered relationships and self- sabotage, I never believed I would age. In 2014, i suffered what seemed to be an innocuous injury but now I am quite ill and look back at my youth with a mixture of hatred and longing. I have written poetry and been published. When I came across "So Now" by Bukowski on your channel I became hooked on the combination of tenderness, humanity, reality, intelligence and artistic ability you brought to life with these wide variety of poetic selections. In some small way it makes the think on occasion perhaps my squandered life, amidst all the chaos, lies, violence and lack of empathy for others may have been for nothing. I thank you for this. Have you ever thought about doing a video on John Claire's, "I AM?"

[@illneas]

Hey man, thank you for sharing this it means truly a lot to me. I currently pursue my own writing and make videos on that, thanks for the poem recommendation though. I wish you the best, take care

[@marcusaurelius2242]

@@illneas Maybe I could send you a few of mine? Have you read and Philip Levine, or Tim Seibles?

[@solo_infinite5313]

It's so cold and beautiful✨

[@tallordermusic]

this is true spot on lovely prose. a blessing to me, an artist of music and wall art, perhaps a modest good writer too..and yet i could not have written this thick descript of life's outcome myself..just needed it💚⚡

[@xHannibal]

Thanks for this ❤️

[@FoXWoR]

Thank You!

[@yup7982]

you never fail to amaze me

[@jsmith1899]

Is that Thessaloniki? When walking the streets I never thought it would be possible to get that cold there.

[@Sh67817]

Love this❤️

[@sundayajak8782]

i come back to this every time i feel worthless

[@swarali2904]

What a wonderful timing! Your work is incredible in ways more than can be seen. Thank you!

[@Fukwadk]

Don't doubt yourself... Doubt is our fucking enemy. And thanks for reminding me or us. Means a lot

[@sparkyfromel]

thanks , I feel refreshed

[@Maria-wr9ww]

wow. just wow.

[@jorgleiger]

Stunning video!! Really enjoyed it, thank you

[@Topher118]

Yesss, we actually spoke about this! You are the best!

[@alexlitill2315]

Beautiful work on poetry.😍😍😍

[@pheelmacababe2861]

todays minor defeats, resulted in an overall victory, and im here now, proof i can withstand the day

[@m9017]

A kid with a camera, You are awesome.. as always. Much love --One of your fans

[@rozalya585]

Amazing channel ..keep going💐💖🤩

[@PatriotMediaGroup]

beautiful message

[@symonbyron8397]

illneas.always....👍 beautiful moments u capture.. beautiful lines u choose..

[@marshalljbg1980]

It's so great and perfect 🖤

[@zacharycallahan6602]

I think I get it. I think I finally understand how to play this game. I am grateful to you.

[@vincec.202]

Deep AF. Right in the feels.

[@pronaygoswami1441]

Masterpiece❤️

[@arkasingha6111]

Loved it...

[@meganjacques9233]

I really loved that!

[@bibi-h16]

Please post more on Spotify I live listening while doing art and it doesn’t drain my battery as much

[@shahriyarnafi9580]

Loved it