Classic Poem

Some things a man must surely know,
— If he is going to live and grow:
He needs to know that life is more
— Than what a man lays by in store,
That more than all he may obtain,
— Contentment offers greater gain.
He needs to feel the thrill of mirth,
— To sense the beauty of the earth,
To know the joy that kindness brings
— And all the worth of little things.
He needs to have an open mind,
— A friendly heart for all mankind,
A trust in self — without conceit —
— And strength to rise above defeat.
He needs to have the will to share,
— A mind to dream, a soul to dare,
A purpose firm, a path to plod,
— A faith in man, a trust in God.

Some things a man must surely know,
— If he is going to live and grow:
He needs to know that life is more
— Than what a man lays by in store,
That more than all he may obtain,
— Contentment offers greater gain.
He needs to feel the thrill of mirth,
— To sense the beauty of the earth,
To know the joy that kindness brings
— And all the worth of little things.
He needs to have an open mind,
— A friendly heart for all mankind,
A trust in self — without conceit —
— And strength to rise above defeat.
He needs to have the will to share,
— A mind to dream, a soul to dare,
A purpose firm, a path to plod,
— A faith in man, a trust in God.