Under the Roof Where the Laughter Rings

Under the roof where the laughter rings,

That's where I long to be;

There are all of the glorious things,

Meaning so much to me.

There is where striving and toiling ends;

There is where always the rainbow bends.

Under the roof where the children shout,

There is the perfect rest;

There is the clamor of greed shut out,

Ended the ceaseless quest.

Battles I fight through the heat of to-day

Are only to add to their hours of play.

Under the roof where the eyes are bright,

There I would build my fame;

There my record of life I'd write;

There I would sign my name.

There in laughter and true content

Let me fashion my monument.

Under the roof where the hearts are true,

There is my earthly goal;

There I am pledged till my work is through,

Body and heart and soul.

Think you that God will my choice condemn

If I have never played false to them?