Brighten Your Corner

We cannot all be famous
or be listed in "Who's Who,"
But every person great or small,
Has important work to do.

For seldom do we realize
the importance of small deeds,
Or to what degree of greatness
Unnoticed kindness leads.

For it's not the big celebrity
in a world of fame and praise,
But it's doing unpretentiously
In an undistinguished way.

It is the work that we're assigned,
unimportant as it seems,
That makes our task outstanding,
And brings reality to dreams.

So do not sit and idly wish
for wider new dimensions
Where you can fantasize about
Your many good intentions.

But at the spot you are right now
begin at once to do
Little things to brighten up
The lives surrounding you.

If everybody brightened up
the spot where they are standing,
By being more considerate,
And a little less demanding,

This dark old world would very soon
eclipse the evening star,
If everybody brightened up
The corner where they are!

Brighten up your corner today!

~ Helen Steiner Rice