Byron Curtis Lindsay

The Measure of a Man

Not--"How did he die?" But--"How did he live?"
Not--"What did he gain?" But--"What did he give?"
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.

Not--"What was his station?" But--"Had he a heart?"
And--"How did he play his God-given part?
Was he ever ready with a word of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?"

Not--"What was his church?" Nor--"What was his creed?"
But--"Had he befriended those really in need?"
Not--"What did the sketch in the newspaper say?"
But--"How many were sorry when he passed away?"