My Will

Robert William Service

I’ve made my Will. I don’t believe
           In luxury and wealth;
And to those loving ones who grieve
           My age and frailing health
I give the meed to soothe their ways
           That they may happy be,
And pass serenely all their days
           In snug security.

That duty done, I leave behind
           The all I have to give
To crippled children and the blind
           Who lamentably live;
Hoping my withered hand may freight
           To happiness a few
Poor innocents whom cruel fate
           Has cheated of their due.

A am no grey philanthropist,
           Too humble is my lot
Yet how I’m glad to give the grist
           My singing mill has brought.
For I have had such lyric days,
           So rich, so full, so sweet,
That I with gratitude and praise
           Would make my life complete.

I’VE MADE MY WILL: now near the end,
           At peace with all mankind,
To children lame I would be friend,
           And brother to the blind . . .
And if there be a God, I pray
           He bless my last bequest,
And in His love and pity say:
           “Good servant,—rest!”

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