A Poem

I found this poem or, should I say, this poem found me this morning, after a desperate week. An elegant reminder to put out into the world what we want to see, what we want to receive and know as our reality. Easier mused upon than lived at times, but a solid truth nonetheless. One to aspire to, to strive for, to live by...

There are loyal hearts, there are spirits brave,
There are souls that are pure and true,
Then give the world the best you have,
And the best will come back to you.

Give love, and love to your life will flow,
A strength in your utmost need,
Have faith, and a score of hearts will show
Their faith in your word and deed.

Give truth, and your gift will be paid in kind;
And honor will honor meet;
And a smile that is sweet will surely find
A smile that is just as sweet.

Give pity and sorrow to those who mourn,
You will gather in flowers again
The scattered seeds from your thoughts outborne
Though the sowing seemed but vain.

For life is the mirror of king and slave,
‘Tis just what we are and do;
Then give to the world the best you have,
And the best will come back to you.

- Madeline Bridges -
American poet (1844 – 1920)