If I can throw a single ray of light across the darkened pathway of another;
If I can aid some soul to clearer sight of life and duty, and thus bless my brother;
If I can wipe from any human cheek a tear,
I shall not have lived my life in vain while here.

If I can guide some erring one to truth, inspire within his heart a sense of duty;
If I can plant within my soul of rosy youth a sense of right, a love of truth and beauty;
If I can teach one man that God and heaven are near,
I shall not then have lived in vain while here.

If from my mind I banish doubt and fear, and keep my life attuned to love and kindness;
If I can scatter light and hope and cheer, and help remove the curse of mental blindness;
If I can make more joy, more hope, less pain,
I shall not have lived and loved in vain.

If by life's roadside I can plant a tree, beneath whose shade some wearied head may rest,
Though I may never share its beauty, I shall yet be truly blest
Though no one knows my name, nor drops a flower upon my grave,
I shall not have lived in vain while here.

- Author Unknown