Work the Blessing

From the Newark Evening Star, January 16, 1915. By Ninette M. Lowater.

Once I thanked God for many a glittering thing
    Which now I know was worthless and which passed
    With things forgotten and behind me cast,
As I moved onward, borne by time’s swift wing,
But never thought I then that work could be
    God’s gift, but rather, punishment it seemed;
    And often in my lonely hours I dreamed
Of days when from its bond I should be free.

But now I know that work is man’s best friend,
    Heaven’s highest blessing to a world like this;
    And now I ask no longer ease and bliss,
But only this: “Give me until the end
Strength for the needed toil as each day passes by.
When I can work no longer let me die.