My Symphony, by William Ellery Channing

I posted this poem a couple of years ago, but it's one I return to often and I thought I'd post it here again. It seems like life is one long series of forgettings and rememberings, and these words remind me of how I want to be.

Good words: Symphony, by William Ellery Channing

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.