Poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Contentment

If any line that I ever penned, 
Or any word I have spoken, 
Has comforted heart of foe or friend -
In any way, why my life, I’ll say, 
Has reaped the reward of labour, 
If aught I have said, or written, has made
Gladder the heart o’ my neighbour.

If any deed that I ever did
Lightened a sad heart’s sorrow, 
If I have lifted a drooping lid
Up to the bright to-morrow, 
Though the world knows not, nor gives me a thought, 
Nor ever can know, nor praise me, 
Yet still I shall say, to my heart alway, 
That my life and labour repay me.

If in any way I have helped a soul, 
Or given a spirit pleasure, 
Then my cup of joy, I shall think is full
With an overflowing measure.
Though never an eye, but the one on high
Looks on my kindly action, 
Yet, O my heart, we shall think of our part
In the drama, with satisfaction.

1. Beauty Making
2. Art Thou Alive?
3. Babyland
4. Awakened!
5. The Belle's Soliloquy

Ada Cambridge (Cross) Contentment ("Is it a virtue, as the sages say")

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