I would not be too wise—so very wise <br />That I must sneer at simple songs and creeds, <br />And let the glare of wisdom blind my eyes <br />To humble people and their humble needs. <br />I would not care to climb so high that I <br />Could never hear the children at their play, <br />Could only see the people passing by, <br />Yet never hear the cheering words they say. <br />I would not know too much—too much to smile <br />At trivial errors of the heart and hand, <br />Nor be too proud to play the friend the while, <br />And cease to help and know and understand. <br />I would not care to sit upon a throne, <br />Or build my house upon a mountain-top. <br />Where I must dwell in glory all alone <br />And never friend come in or poor man stop. <br />God grant that I may live upon this earth <br />And face the tasks which every morning brings, <br />And never lose the glory and the worth <br />Of humble service and the simple things.<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-common-touch/
