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As you pass along the way -
For the pleasure of the many
May be oft times, traced to one.
As the hand that plants the acorn
Shelters armies from the sun.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox.

A Morning Prayer. E.W. Wilcox

Let me today, do something, that shall take
A little sadness, from the worlds vast store.
And may I be so favored, as to make
Of joys too scanty sum - a little more.
Let me not hurt, by any selfish deed
Or thoughtless word, the heart of foe or friend;
Nor would I pass unseeing, worthy need,
Or sin by silence, where I could defend.
However meagre, be my worldly wealth
Let me give something, that shall aid my kind
A word of courage, or a thought of health
Dropped as I pass, for troubled hearts to find.
Let me tonight, look back, across the span
"Twix dawn & dark, and to my conscience say
"Because of some good act to man or beast
The world is better, that I lived today."