The Sum of Things

This is the sum of things . . . that we
A moment live, a little see,
Do somewhat, and are gone ; for so
The eternal currents ebb and flow.

This is the sum of work — that man
Does, while he may, the best he can,
Nor greatly cares, when all is done,
What praise or blame his toils have won.

This is the sum of fight — to find
The links of kin with all our kind,
And know the beauty Nature folds
Even in the simplest form she moulds.

This is the sum of life — to feel
Our handgrip on the hiked steel,
To fight beside our mates, and prove
The best of comradeship and love.

This is the sum of things — that we
A lifetime live greatheartedly,
See the whole best that life has meant,
Do out our work, and go content.