GIVE me a single day, I ask no more <br />From dawn to dusk, ah, that is time enough <br />To reach the goal that I am striving for; <br />There is no need of further putting off <br />The little deeds of kindness I may do, <br />The little words of kindness I may say; <br />I need no distant morrow to be true, <br />Give me a single day. <br /> <br />Give me a single day to live my life, <br />For that is time enough for smiles and tears; <br />I can as bravely bear my share of strife <br />As though I were to live a thousand years. <br />I can be brave and patient and resigned, <br />Helpful and cheerful as I go my way; <br />I need no distant morrow to be kind, <br />Give me a single day. <br /> <br />Give me a single day, 't is all I ask, <br />And let me fill each minute with my best; <br />I can complete my little daily task, <br />And find contentment in my hour of rest. <br />I may not journey many, many miles, <br />But I can view the roses where I stray, <br />I need no distant morrow for my smiles, <br />Give me a single day. <br /> <br />I do not ask to be allowed to live <br />Another year or twenty, so that I <br />When richer to the poor may proudly give, <br />Neglecting now the chance that is close by. <br />I would not spend today in seeking gold, <br />Saving tomorrow for the kindly deed; <br />To prove that I am cheerful, helpful, bold, <br />Only a day I need. <br /> <br />Let me but live a rounded life today, <br />My virtues all in action as I stroll; <br />For further time I would not ask or pray, <br />Upon the future I 'd not risk my soul, <br />For in the time I have much I can do, <br />Fearless, yet gentle in my simple way; <br />I need no distant morrow to be true, <br />Give me a single day.<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/give-me-a-single-day/
