Let's smile and be kind—life is so short
And most of the way so rough,
The times are trying, the road upgrade,
And always trouble enough.
Yesterday's hurts we'll try to forego—
And tomorrow's cares can wait,
Today with diligence let us keep
Our hearts from the strain of hate.

Life is too short for spite and revenge,
And paying back wrong for wrong;
Try patience and love and forgiveness,
Meet slights with a smile and a song.
The sad world with all its repining,
Its bitterness, care and tears,
Needs the wealth of your loving kindness
To sweeten the sin-soiled years.

Yes, life is too short to be hateful,
Or scorning any you meet,
Then strive to be pleasant and gentle,
Always to smile and be sweet;
For the sunshine of love is needed
To warm the world with its light,
And to shed abroad its effulgence
To bless humanity's night.