The Things That Count Poem by Clarence Urmy

Not what we have, but what we use;
Not what we see, but what we choose-
These are the things that mar or bless
The sum of human happiness.

The things near by, not things afar;
Not what we seem, but what we are-
These are the things that make or break,
That give the heart its joy or ache.

Not what seems fair, but what is true;
Not what we dream, but good we do-
These are the things that shine like gems,
Like stars, in fortunes diadems.

Not as we take, but as we give;
Not as we pray, but as we live-
These are the things that make for peace,
Both now and after Time shall cease.