THESE joys are free to all who live <br />The rich and poor, the great and low: <br />The charms which kindness has to give, <br />The smiles which friendship may bestow, <br />The honor of a well-spent life, <br />The glory of a purpose true, <br />High courage in the stress of strife, <br /> And peace when every task is through. <br /> <br />Nor class nor caste nor race nor creed, <br />Nor greater might can take away <br />The splendor of an honest deed. <br />Who nobly serves from day to day <br />Shall walk the road of life with pride, <br />With friends who recognize his worth, <br />For never are these joys denied <br /> Unto the humblest man on earth. <br /> <br />Not all may rise to world-wide fame, <br />Not all may gather fortune's gold, <br />Not all life's luxuries may claim; <br />In differing ways success is told. <br />But all may know the peace of mind <br />Which comes from service brave and true; <br />The poorest man can still be kind, <br /> And nobly live till life is through. <br /> <br />These joys abound for one and all: <br />The pride of fearing no man's scorn, <br />Of standing firm, where others fall, <br />Of bearing well what must be borne. <br />He that shall do an honest deed <br />Shall win an honest deed's rewards; <br />For these, no matter race or creed, <br /> Life unto every man affords.<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-common-joys/
