Let me, each day, perform some useful task, A work of love to those who are in need, And as I go upon my way not ask For recompense in thought or word or deed; May I, with courage, face each look of scorn Or meekly hear the words of highest praise; And let no selfish motive ever born Defeat my lofty purpose through life's ways; Give me new strength with each returning dawn, The faith that brings serenity of mind, A vision that will ever lead me on, With understanding heart to serve mankind. And when I look toward the setting sun, May I with gladness hear Thy words, "Well done." | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TIGER LILIES by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH A WAY TO A HAPPY NEW YEAR by ROBERT BREWSTER BEATTIE THE GOOD COUNSEL by WILLIAM ROSE BENET PSALM 116 by OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE ON AN INFANT UNBORN, AND THE MOTHER DYING IN TRAVAIL by WILLIAM BROWNE (1591-1643) OBSERVATIONS IN THE ART OF ENGLISH POESY: 22. ELEGIAC VERSE: THE FIFTH EPIGRAM by THOMAS CAMPION |