Edgar Albert Guest - Give Me A Single Day

GIVE me a single day, I ask no more
From dawn to dusk, ah, that is time enough
To reach the goal that I am striving for;
There is no need of further putting off
The little deeds of kindness I may do,
The little words of kindness I may say;
I need no distant morrow to be true,
Give me a single day.

Give me a single day to live my life,
For that is time enough for smiles and tears;
I can as bravely bear my share of strife
As though I were to live a thousand years.
I can be brave and patient and resigned,
Helpful and cheerful as I go my way;
I need no distant morrow to be kind,
Give me a single day.

Give me a single day, 't is all I ask,
And let me fill each minute with my best;
I can complete my little daily task,
And find contentment in my hour of rest.
I may not journey many, many miles,
But I can view the roses where I stray,
I need no distant morrow for my smiles,
Give me a single day.

I do not ask to be allowed to live
Another year or twenty, so that I
When richer to the poor may proudly give,
Neglecting now the chance that is close by.
I would not spend today in seeking gold,
Saving tomorrow for the kindly deed;
To prove that I am cheerful, helpful, bold,
Only a day I need.

Let me but live a rounded life today,
My virtues all in action as I stroll;
For further time I would not ask or pray,
Upon the future I 'd not risk my soul,
For in the time I have much I can do,
Fearless, yet gentle in my simple way;
I need no distant morrow to be true,
Give me a single day.

Edgar Albert Guest

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/give-me-a-single-day/