JOURNEY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 96, 19 February 1947, Page 4

JOURNEY

If on this destined journey, Along life’s varied way, We would reap the glorious fullness Of each passing day, And attain true human stature Graced by wisdom—golden prize— We must seek and try to see The other fellow’s outlook, and arise Above the narow-minded self-assur-ance That sets false standards, and anon Stunts our vision, so that we Bent upon our own pursuits Fail to reap the waiting harvest Of comradeship’s rich fruits. If sometimes, on this journey Of golden days—or grey, We would pause a moment And glancing back, survey The miles that lie behind us, And the milestones that reveal Our selfish mode of progress, I know that we would feel The scourging lash of conscience, See the naked truth made plain, The duty that we owe to those Who move along beside us, and pain Would share our journey, If by a word or friendly smile We did our best to brighten Another’s trudging mile !

For upon this daily journey Of many ups and downs, Arrogance and snobbery Strut and pose like clowns; Puffed-up pride and vain conceit Clothe many a human heart, That sheding its artificial cloak, In the scheme of things would find

a part; And by its very presence Inspire and light the way Of those who walk in darkness, For whom can say, How many weary souls plod on With never a friend beside, Tho life’s pathway may be crowded From dawn till eventide?

So if we can make this journey, A friendly sort of road By being a bit more friendly And sharing another’s lead; By being a bit more human As we were meant to# be; Life would grow more richer And our eyes would ever see, From the hilltops of the morning A prospect without end, A winding road through pleasant

fields And every man—a friend! William Richard Whiteside,