A Character

By Robert W Service

How often do I wish I were

What people call a character;

A ripe and cherubic old chappie

Who lives to make his fellows happy;

With in his eyes a merry twinkle,

And round his lips a laughing wrinkle;

Who radiating hope and cheer

Grows kindlier with every year.

For this ideal let me strive,

And keep the lad in me alive;

Nor argument nor anger know,

But my own way serenely go;

The woes of men to understand,

Yet walk with humour hand in hand;

To love each day and wonder why

Folks are not so jocund as I.

So be you simple, decent, kind,

With gentle heart and quiet mind;

And if to righteous anger stung,

Restrain your temper and your tongue.

Let thought for others be your guide,

And patience triumph over pride . . .

With charity for those who err,

Live life so folks may say you were—

God bless your heart!—A Character.