ESSENTIALS
The things here named are essential to a happy and successful life. They may not be the only essentials.
Roll up your sleeves, lad, and begin;
Disarm misfortune with a grin;
Let discontent not wag your chin—
Let gratitude.
Don't try to find things all askew;
Don't be afraid of what is new;
Nor banish as unsound, untrue,
A platitude.
If folks don't act as you would choose
Remember life is varied; use
Your common sense; don't get the blues;
Show latitude.
Sing though in quavering sharps and flats,
Love though the folk you love are cats,
Work though you're worn and weary—that's
The attitude.
St. Clair Adams.
THE STONE REJECTED
The story here poetically retold of the great Florentine sculptor shows how much a lofty spirit may make of unpromising material.
For years it had been trampled in the street
Of Florence by the drift of heedless feet—
The stone that star-touched Michael Angelo
Turned to that marble loveliness we know.