A LITANY OF EVERY DAY
Not that there be less to bear,Not that there be more to share;But for braver heart for bearing,But for freer heart for sharing,Here I pray.Not for scenes of richer beauty,Not for paths of lighter duty;But for clearer eyes for seeing,Gentler hands, more patient being,Every day.Not that joy and peace enfold me,Not that wealth and pleasure hold me;But that I may dry a tear,Speak a word of strength and cheerOn the way.Not that I may sit apart,Housed from hurt of fling and smart;But that in the press and throngI may keep a courage strong,Here I pray.Not that I at set of sunMeasure deeds of greatness done;But that when my feet shall passTo my low tent in the grassOne may say“Speed thee well, O friend, who gaveFreely all thy heart did crave;Love and truth and tenderness,Faith and trust and kindliness,In thy day.”