Think very clearly,
As you pass through the day.
Take care of all your features,
How you act and what you say.
Let your feelings flow,
But give more than you receive.
Have tears come from joy,
Not from those who grieve.
In your heart have room for mercy.
Forgive a weakness you have seen.
Give kindness and understanding,
And, though tempted, don’t be mean.
Make sure that when you give,
Either you or that once bought,
It is wrapped in love and kindness,
The same as that you sought.
And when the scores are tallied,
Neither saint nor devil be,
But one, though tarnished, lived and grew,
The same as you and me.

James M. Garrett has lived in Benicia his entire life. He retired after a career of teaching at Benicia High School. He is the author of “One Great Season 9-0!” “Benicia and Letters of Love” and “The Mansion Stories,” and the compiler of “The Golden Era,” a history of Benicia High School football from the 1948 through 1960 seasons. Contact him at Jgstoriesnpoetry@aol.com.

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