Mix a little shake of laughter in the doings of the day,

Scatter golden bits of sunshine as you plod along the way,

Stop to cheer a fellow human that's a bit worse off than you—

Help him climb the pesky ladder that you find so hard to do;

Show by every daily motive, every thought and every deed—

You are one that folks can turn to when they find themselves in need;

Just forget the rugged places—make believe they're slick and smooth;

When you spot the troubled faces, pull a grin and try to soothe;

Life's a game—a mighty short one—play it gamely while you can—

Let the score book show the record that you measured up a MAN!

Pretty pomes and marble towers won't avail you very much,

When you've passed—unless you've helped to lighten heavy loads and such;

Better far to have your neighbors say you were a cheerful chap,

Always kind and always helpful—if you're that, you'll leave a gap;

You may scatter filthy lucre to your merry heart's content,

And forgotten be much sooner than some good-souled homeless gent;

Chances are that in the making of your sordid pile of cash,

In your handclasps you were faking, though you did show pep and dash;

Never mind about the fortune you made up your mind to pile—

But just live the GOLDEN RULE, lad, and your life will be worth while.

-Roy Neal-