The woods

by Douglas Malloch

LEISURE

I thank the Lord that I have time

For things that pay no dividends,

For song and book and sunset gleam

And sweet companionship of friends.

The song may be some simple theme,

The book some poet’s dreamy rime

For those who dare to pause and dream—

I thank the Lord that I have time.

I thank the Lord that I have time

To stop a moment by the way

To kiss the scented lips of flowers

And hear the voice of songbirds gay.

The lark announces morning hours,

Around my door the roses climb,

And Nature lures me to her bowers—

I thank the Lord that I have time.

I thank the Lord that I have time

To pause beside some other soul

Who falters by my poor abode

Upon the path to greater goal.

If I can help him on his road,

Can aid his weary feet to climb,

If I can ease him of his load,

I thank the Lord that I have time.

I thank the Lord that I have time

For humbler joys and humbler things.

I thank the Lord for lips that smile,

I thank the Lord for heart that sings.

If I in life’s uncertain while

With word or song or cheery rime

Can light some pilgrim’s dreary mile,

I thank the Lord that I have time.