I Shall Not Pass This Way Again

I shall not pass this way again
Though rising suns their radiance throw
On summer's green and winter's snow.

And let no chance by me be lost
To kindess show at any cost.
I shall not pass this way again;
Then let me now relieve some pain,
Remove some barrier from the road,
Or brighten someone's heavy load:
A helping hand to this one lend,
Then turn some other to befriend.

Volunteer!

I love the beauty of the scene,
Would roam again o'er fields so green;
But since I may not, let me spend
My strength for others to the end,
For those who tread on rock and stone
And bear their burdens all alone.
A larger kindness give to me
A deeper love and sympathy;
Then, O, one day
May someone say -
Remembering a lessened pain-
"Would she could pass this way again."

Volunteer!

adapted from I Shall Not Pass This Way Again, by Eva Rose York