Not enough for her are flowers-- Her life is so blent with ours That in all we dare and do She is partner, through and through; Suffering when we suffer pain, Happy when we smile again, Living with us, night and day-- That is every mother's way. _Life Needs Us All_ There is so much that we can do-- A kind word spoken here and there Will ease another's weight of care; Life needs us all. The splendid few Who rise to fame, with all their skill Your post and mine can never fill. If we who have not wealth or fame Should fail in all our little deeds, The world would sink beneath its needs. Not by the greatness of a name, Nor by the splendor of success, Are hearts restored to happiness. About us all are those who need The gifts which we have power to give; We can be friendly while we live And by some thoughtful, kindly deed, Can help another on his way-- And that is service, come what may. What though we miss the heights of skill, The splendor of the greater few, There is so much that we can do; There is a place which we can fill-- Always about us while we live Are those who need what we can give. _A Certain Man_ I cherish the picture of a man Who has not been, but is to be. His cheek is bronzed by the summer tan And his smile is fair to see. His word is good and his heart is true And he loves the old red, white and blue. I vision him oft, and where'er he goes Glad voices give him a warm hello. The trust of the little ones he knows And respect of friend or foe-- For never the scarlet mark of shame Has marred his record or touched his name. He walks the world in a kindly way. He laughs when the jest is fair. The wide outdoors is his field of play And he loves the beauties there. He hears God's word in the whispering trees And the song of birds and the drone of bees. I talk to him oft when the night is still, I think of him day by day; He hasn't arrived, but I pray he will When his youth has passed away. And what is his name and who is he? The man that I hope my son will be. _What a Father Wants to Know_ You would take my girl away! What is there that I can say Save the things all fathers think, Seldom put in printer's ink? Little care I for your fame, Or the glory you may claim, Or the fortune you may earn; These are not my deep concern-- This I really want to know, Will you always love her so? It is fine enough to tell That to-day you're doing well; I appreciate your skill And I think some day you will Climb the ladder of success To your lasting happiness; But if all this should be had And my little girl be sad, I'd regret my whole life through Having given her to you.