Work

Henry van Dyke (1852–1933)

LET me but do my work from day to day,

In field or forest, at the desk or loom,

In roaring market-place, or tranquil room;

Let me but find it in my heart to say,

When vagrant wishes beckon me astray—

“This is my work; my blessing, not my doom;

Of all who live, I am the one by whom

This work can best be done, in the right way.”

Then shall I see it not too great, nor small,

To suit my spirit and to prove my powers;

Then shall I cheerful greet the laboring hours,

And cheerful turn, when the long shadows fall

At eventide, to play and love and rest,

Because I know for me my work is best.