"The House By The Side Of The Road" by Sam Walter Foss

"There are hermit souls that live withdrawn
in the peace of their self-content;
there are souls like stars that dwell apart,
in a fellowless firmament;
there are pioneer souls that blaze their paths
where highways never went;
but let me live by the side of the road
and try to be a friend.

Let me live in a house by the side of the road,
with people passing by--
the ones who are good, and the ones who are bad,
as good and bad as I.
I would not sit on a scorner's seat,
or hurl the cynic's ban;
let me live in a house by the side of the road
and be the friend I can.

I see from my house by the side of the road
by the side of the highway of life,
those who press with the ardour of hope,
and others who faint with the strife.
But I turn not away from their smiles nor their tears--
both parts of an infinite plan.
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
and be the friend I can.

I know there are brook-gladdened meadows ahead,
and mountains of wearisome height;
that road passes on through the long afternoon,
and stretches away to the night;
but still I rejoice when the travellers rejoice,
and weep with the strangers that moan,
nor live in my house by the side of the road
like someone who dwells alone.

Let me live in my house by the side of the road,
where all manner of folk go by.
They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong,
wise, foolish--so am I.
Then why should I sit in the scorner's seat
or hurl the cynic's ban?
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
and be the friend I can."


May this be a picture of my life. To live the life of a loving friend walking with those who rejoice and those who mourn no matter who they are or who I am. Beautiful.