A Poem

Brighten Your Corner

We cannot all be on famous or listed in “Who’s Who,”

But every person, great or small, has work to do.

For seldom do we realize the importance of small deeds

Or to what degree of greatness unnoticed kindness leads,

For it’s not the big celebrity in the world of fame and praise,

But it’s doing unpretentiously in distinguishing ways

The work that God assigned to us, unimportant as it seems,

That makes our task fulfilling and brings reality to dreams.

So do not sit and idly wish for wider, new dimensions

Where you can put in practice your many intentions,

But at the spot God placed you, begin at once to do

Little things to brighten the lives of those around you.

If everybody brightened up the spot where they’re standing,

By being more considerate and a little less demanding,

This dark old world would soon eclipse the evening star,

If everybody brightened up the corner where they are. 

By Helen Stiener Rice