Mix a little shake of laughter in the doings of the day,
Scatter golden bits of sunshine as you plod along the way,
Stop to cheer a fellow human that’s a bit worse off than you—
Help him climb the pesky ladder that you find so hard to do;
Show by every daily motive, every thought and every deed—
You are one that folks can turn to when they find themselves in need;
Just forget the rugged places—make believe they’re slick and smooth;
When you spot the troubled faces, pull a grin and try to soothe;
Life’s a game—a mighty short one—play it gamely while you can—
Let the score book show the record that you measured up a MAN!
Pretty pomes and marble towers won’t avail you very much,
When you’ve passed—unless you’ve helped to lighten heavy loads and such;
Better far to have your neighbors say you were a cheerful chap,
Always kind and always helpful—if you’re that, you’ll leave a gap;
You may scatter filthy lucre to your merry heart’s content,
And forgotten be much sooner than some good-souled homeless gent;
Chances are that in the making of your sordid pile of cash,
In your handclasps you were faking, though you did show pep and dash;
Never mind about the fortune you made up your mind to pile—
But just live the GOLDEN RULE, lad, and your life will be worth while.
By Roy Neal
What You’re Saying