My Symphony

To live content with small means
To seek elegance rather than luxury,
and refinement rather than fashion
To be worthy, not respectable,
and wealthy, not rich
To study hard, think quietly,
talk gently, act frankly
To listen to stars and birds,
to babes and sages, with open heart
To bear all cheerfully,
do all bravely,
await occasions,
hurry never
In a word, to let the spiritual,
unbidden and unconscious,
grow up through the common
This is to be my symphony.

William Henry Channing