Something Good

When other men are running down

Your neighbor or your native town,

Don’t shake your head approvingly,

Or wink the other eye,

     Say something good.

Join in the conversation, too,

And let the circle hear from you;

Defend the place that gave you birth,

And bring to life your neighbor’s worth,

     Say something good.

When other men are full of strife

Engaged in taking cash, or life,

Don’t imitate the awful wrong

Don’t join the law defying throng,

     Do something good.

Do something good and show poor souls

That there are better, higher goals;

Example is the greatest pay,

That you can give the world today –

     Do something good.

June 7, ‘09