Do you fear the force of the wind,
The slash of the rain?
Go face them and fight them,
Be savage again.
Go hungry and cold like the wolf,
Go wade like the crane:
The palms of your hands will thicken,
The skin of your cheek will tan,
You'll grow ragged and weary and swarthy,
But you'll walk like a man!

In “Do You Fear the Wind?” Hamlin Garland encapsulates a rugged philosophy, urging the reader to embrace life's hardships. The poem suggests that adversity is not something to shy away from, but rather a catalyst for personal growth and resilience. Garland draws on vivid imagery, comparing this struggle to the relentless force of the wind and rain, the hunger of a wolf, and the endurance of a crane. These natural elements serve as metaphors for life's challenges. By confronting these obstacles, the speaker insists, one gains strength and character. Garland’s words evoke the idea that true manhood—or personhood—is achieved through perseverance and the willingness to face difficulties head-on. The poem, therefore, is a call to action, encouraging a return to a primal, resilient state where one emerges as a more robust individual. This perspective reflects Garland’s optimistic view that struggle is integral to personal development, a theme likely inspired by his own experiences with the grueling demands of farm life.