My Symphony

To live content with small means;

to seek elegance rather than luxury,

and refinement rather than fashion;

to be worthy, not respectable,

and wealthy, not rich;

To listen to stars and birds,

babes and sages with open heart;

to study hard; to think quietly,

act frankly, talk gently,

await occasions, hurry never;

in a word,

To let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious,

grow up through the common

this is my symphony.

William Henry Channing