Take nothing for granted,   
for whatever you do   
The "joy of enjoying"   
is lessened for you- 
For we rob our own lives   
much more than we know   
When we fail to respond   
or in any way show 
Our thanks for the blessings   
that daily are ours. . .   
The warmth of the sun,   
The fragrance of flowers,   
The beauty of twilight,   
the freshness of dawn,   
The coolness of dew   
on a green velvet lawn,   
The kind little deeds 
so thoughtfully done   
The favors of friends   
and the love that someone   
Unselfishly gives us   
in a myriad of ways,   
Expecting no payment   
and no words of praise. . . .   

© Helen Steiner Rice