THE JOY OF LIVING

Just sip the cup of life with eager lips; But be careful; do not drain it.

Just woo, and court, the happy blissful moment; But be careful; don’t attain it.

' Just pat, and pet, whatever makes you happy; But be careful; touch it lightly.

For it may become a something you must have; If you cling to it too tightly.

Just watch, the sunset, dimming in the west; Without its loss regretting.

And hail, again, its advent in the east; The darkest night forgetting.

Just smother all your cares with happy smiles; And all your grief with laughter.

Just hold the present moment very close; Nor question what comes after.

By having just enough of things to share; Just to know the joy of giving;

Just to thrill to all the many sweets of life; Is to know the joy of living.

OUT IN THE FIELDS

The little cares that fretted me,

I lost them yesterday,

Among the fields above the sea, Among the winds at play,

Among the lowing of the herds,

The rustling of the trees,

Among the singing of the birds

The humming of the bees.

The foolish fears of what might pass I cast them all away

Among the clover-scented grass, Among the new mown hay,

Among the hushing of the corn Where drowsy poppies nod,

Where ill thoughts die and good are born Out in the fields with God.

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