Poems (Hazlett-Bevis)/Smile and be Glad

4511103Poems — Smile and be GladSophia Courtoulde Hazlett-Bevis
Smile and be Glad.
Smile, tho' the heart be breaking;
Smile, though the clouds droop low:
Smile in the morn awak'ning,
Smile when to rest you go.

Think of the day with gladness,
Though toilful the hours and long;
Banish all care and sadness;
Lighten your labors with song.

Open the door of your sanctum,
That "Holy of Holies"—the heart;
Let in the sunshine that will come,
And be of you ever a part.

Speak kindly words to the erring—
Harsh one embitter the soul;
Each to the other deferring,
Holding o'er self full control.

Be content, be kind, be loving;
Remember the shortness of life;
It's not worth while to be proving—
Constantly arguing with strife.

Every life hath its bitter
As well as its sweets, to drain;
It is not "all pomp and glitter,"
That's freeest from sorrow and pain.

The golden rule is the best one
To follow the whole journey through:
Do unto others as you alone
Would have others do unto you."