Poems (Angier)/Little Nothings

by Annie Lanman Angier

LITTLE NOTHINGS.

Little nothings,—do them, do them,
 From the heart, and with a will;
What though only God may view them?
 Do them, do them, do them still.

Little nothings,—do them, do them,
 Every hour, and all the day;
Thou wilt ne'er regret or rue them,
 Strewing flowers in others' way.

Little nothings,—do them, do them,
 Though some sacrifice they cost;
Life itself, the good Book tells us,
 Found is, only when 'tis lost.

Little nothings,—and what are they?
 Smile for smile, and tear for tear;
Kindly word and timely succor,
 Help to all, or far or near.

Widow's mite, and cup of water,
 Who than these could offer less?
Yet the glorious, great All-Good One,
 Gift and giver deigns to bless.

Little nothings,—seeming trifles
 Of our lives, make up the sum;
In the soul they make sweet music,
 Speaking when the lips are dumb.

Little nothings,—do them, do them,
 From the heart, and with a will;
What though only God may view them?
 Do them, do them, do them still.