People are often unreasonable,
Irrational, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse
You of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some
Unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere
People may deceive you;
Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating
Others could destroy overnight;
Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness,
Some may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today,
Will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.

Give the best you have,
And it may never be enough;
Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis,
It is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.


© Copyright Kent M. Keith 1968