If any line that I ever penned, <br /> Or any word I have spoken, <br />Has comforted heart of foe or friend - <br /> In any way, why my life, I'll say, <br />Has reaped the reward of labour, <br /> If aught I have said, or written, has made <br />Gladder the heart o' my neighbour. <br /> <br />If any deed that I ever did <br /> Lightened a sad heart's sorrow, <br />If I have lifted a drooping lid <br /> Up to the bright to-morrow, <br />Though the world knows not, nor gives me a thought, <br /> Nor ever can know, nor praise me, <br />Yet still I shall say, to my heart alway, <br /> That my life and labour repay me. <br /> <br />If in any way I have helped a soul, <br /> Or given a spirit pleasure, <br />Then my cup of joy, I shall think is full <br /> With an overflowing measure. <br />Though never an eye, but the one on high <br /> Looks on my kindly action, <br />Yet, O my heart, we shall think of our part <br /> In the drama, with satisfaction.<br /><br />Ella Wheeler Wilcox<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/contentment-2/
