105 . The Sum of Things

THIS is the sum of things…that we

A moment live, a little see,

Do somewhat, and are gone; for so

The eternal currents ebb and flow.

This is the sum of work—that man

Does, while he may, the best he can,

Nor greatly cares, when all is done,

What praise or blame his toils have won.

This is the sum of fight—to find

The links of kin with all our kind,

And know the beauty Nature folds

Even in the simplest form she moulds.

This is the sum of life—to feel

Our handgrip on the hilted steel,

To fight beside our mates, and prove

The best of comradeship and love.

This is the sum of things—that we

A lifetime live greatheartedly,

See the whole best that life has meant,

Do out our work, and go content.