Edgar Albert Guest

* * *

Under the roof where the laughter rings,
  That's where I long to be;
There are all of the glorious things,
  Meaning so much to me.
There is where striving and toiling ends;
There is where always the rainbow bends.

Under the roof where the children shout,
  There is the perfect rest;
There is the clamor of greed shut out,
  Ended the ceaseless quest.
Battles I fight through the heat of to-day
Are only to add to their hours of play.

Under the roof where the eyes are bright,
  There I would build my fame;
There my record of life I'd write;
  There I would sign my name.
There in laughter and true content
Let me fashion my monument.

Under the roof where the hearts are true,
  There is my earthly goal;
There I am pledged till my work is through,
  Body and heart and soul.
Think you that God will my choice condemn
If I have never played false to them?