The Simple Things

I would not be too wise — so very wise

That I must sneer at simple songs and creeds,

And let the glare of wisdom blind my eyes

To humble people and their humble needs.

I would not care to climb so high that I

Could never hear the children at their play,

Could only see the people passing by,

And never hear the cheering words they say.

I would not know too much — too much to smile

At trivial errors of the heart and hand,

Nor be too proud to play the friend the while,

Nor cease to help and know and understand.

I would not care to sit upon a throne,

Or build my house upon a mountain-top,

Where I must dwell in glory all alone

And never friend come in or poor man stop.

God grant that I may live upon this earth

And face the tasks which every morning brings

And never lose the glory and the worth

Of humble service and the simple things.