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Sunday, September 13, 2015

His memory a benediction




From the tombstone of Dudley Snyder . . . who was buried on this date in the year 1921 . . . 


His life was an inspiration,

His memory a benediction.


The above is an adaptation of the last lines in the following composition . . . 


He has achieved success
who has lived well,
laughed often,
and loved much;
who has enjoyed the trust
of pure women,
who has gained the respect
of intelligent men
and the love of little children;
who has filled his niche
and accomplished his task,
who has left the world
better than he found it,
whether by an improved poppy,
a perfect poem,
or a rescued soul;
who has never lacked
appreciation of Earth's beauty
or failed to express it;
who has always looked
for the best in others
and given them the best he had;
whose life was an inspiration;
whose memory a benediction.

1879–1952