Curling smoke from a chimney low, <br />And only a few more steps to go, <br />Faces pressed at a window pane <br />Watching for someone to come again, <br />And I am the someone they wait to see- <br />These are the joys life gives to me. <br /> <br />What has my neighbor excelling this: <br />A good wife's love and a baby's kiss? <br />What if his chimneys tower higher? <br />Peace is found at our humble fire. <br />What if his silver and gold are more? <br />Rest is ours when the day is o'er. <br /> <br />Strive for fortune and slave for fame, <br />You find that joy always stays the same: <br />Rich man and poor man dream and pray <br />For a home where laughter shall ever stay, <br />And the wheels go round and men spend their might <br />For the few glad hours they may claim at night. <br /> <br />Home, where the kettle shall gaily sing, <br />Is all that matters with serf or king; <br />Gold and silver and laurelled fame <br />Are only sweet when the hearth's aflame <br />With a cheerful fire, and the loved ones there <br />Are unafraid of the wolves of care. <br /> <br />So let me come home at night to rest <br />With those who know I have done my best; <br />Let the wife rejoice and my children smile, <br />And I'll know by their love that I am worthwhile, <br />For this is conquest and world success- <br />A home where abideth happiness.<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-joys-of-home/
