Love thyself last. Look near, behold thy duty <br /> To those who walk beside thee down life’s road; <br />Make glad their days by little acts of beauty, <br /> And help them bear the burden of earth’s load. <br /> <br />Love thyself last. Look far and find the stranger, <br /> Who staggers ‘neath his sin and his despair; <br />Go lend a hand, and lead him out of danger, <br /> To heights where he may see the world is fair. <br /> <br />Love thyself last. The vastnesses above thee <br /> Are filled with Spirit Forces, strong and pure. <br />And fervently, these faithful friends shall love thee: <br /> Keep thou thy watch o’er others, and endure. <br /> <br />Love thyself last; and oh, such joy shall thrill thee, <br /> As never yet to selfish souls was given. <br />Whate’er thy lot, a perfect peace will fill thee, <br /> And earth shall seem the ante-room of Heaven. <br /> <br />Love thyself last, and thou shall grow in spirit <br /> To see, to hear, to know, and understand. <br />The message of the stars, lo, thou shall hear it, <br /> And all God’s joys shall be at thy command.<br /><br />Ella Wheeler Wilcox<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/love-thyself-last/
