The Little Gifts of Cheer

I do not need a violin

To play a happy tune;

I only need a sunny day

To chase away my gloom.

The laughter of a little child,

A kitten dozing near,

Sweet birdsong in my apple tree

Can fill my heart with cheer.

A violet blooming on my sill,

Pink roses 'round my door,

A cup of tea shared with a friend -

What heart could wish for more?

Sometimes our gift of cheer is in

Something nice we do;

You cannot help someone without

It rubbing off on you.

Yet, often in our hurried pace

We cast these gifts away

Or trade them off for something new

To brighten up our day.

But I have come to know at last

What helps my heart so mile -

It's just the little gifts of cheer

That have the sweetest style.

~ Kay Hoffman