Peace, Goodwill: A Poem

PEACE, GOODWILL. A kindly thought can never come in vain ; Yet thoughts soon die if left but to remain Unused, inactive, clogging heart and brain; Let me ne'er smother helpful impulse thus. When Heavenly Father gives me generous thought. Let me believe some blessing should be wrought For someone, somewhere; let the chance be sought. And some poor, answered prayer made marvelous. But should a thought un-Christ-like and unkind Enter my soul, disturbing heart and mind. Envy or selfishness, or both combined. Such thought or feeling I would quickly kill; — It should not live to grow and to extend. To make me injure or distrust a friend; I would not voice it, all my words must blend With that blest angel chorus—Peace, Goodwill! I love you. Dear Ones ! Let me say it now ! I think of you when before Heaven I bow, And ask that God all best things will allow For each one's present and eternal good. My Dear Ones, let us in sweet union live, Nor thoughtless speak, hearts are so sensitive ; What seems unfair, be ready to forgive. And simply say 'twas but misunderstood. And oh, my friends, I prize your friendship now ! I will not wait death's touch on either brow; If I have hurt you, kindly tell me how, So I may prove that good was meant, not ill. For sudden death today seems in the air; A heart may cease its throbbings anywhere, At any moment; oh, my soul, prepare! With all the world and Heaven hold Peace, Goodwill! L. L. Greene Richards. Salt Lake City, Utah.