The Things Worth While

Don’t linger over trifles that rob you of your time,

     No matter how much they beguile;

Turn down every fad if it gets you in bad,

     And tackle the subjects worth while.

There are plenty of things as you go through life

     That will bring you a blessing and smile;

Let the measly things go that will waken a woe,

     And tackle the things worth your while.

Has your neighbor a past that won’t stand the light,

     That he’s trying to nobly live down?

It isn’t for you to dig up a clew

     And let it get whispered through town.

Ah! No; ‘tis for you to give him a lift,

     To rid your big heart of all guile;

Say nothing but good of the whole neighborhood,

     And then you’ll do something worthwhile.

Something worth while folks, that is the thing,

     There’s evil enough to subdue;

Do something worth while and waken a smile

     On the faces of those who love you.

It may be a word or it may be an act,

     It may be just simply a smile;

But don’t let the day go gliding away

     Without you’ve done something worth while.

Oct. 8, ‘10

back