TO MY CHILDREN

Oh, what shall I leave to my children 
When my day with them here is done?
I have neither money nor jewels
Or land enough even for one.
But I'll leave them love for each other
Bodies and minds strong and clear
Charity, justice, tolerance, humor
And faith that will overcome fear.
But most of all, memories I'll leave them,
Memories of days I have planned
Brimful of pleasure and loving
With only selfishness banned.
Books by the fireside
Friends in to tea,
Church Sunday morning
Dips in the sea.
Days in the woods
The Sunset's warm glow,
Days in the house watching rain and wind blow.
All that I do as time and days fly
Must be a dear memory to leave by and by. 
I'm hoardlng them slowly as long as I live
For these you can hoard and still have them to give.

-Frederica Bain Travis