Robert William Dishon

The Measure of a Man

Not, how did he die, but how did he live?

Not, what did he gain, but what did he give?

These are the units to measure the worth

Of a man as a man, regardless of his birth.

Nor what was his church,

nor what was his creed?

But had he befriended those really in need?

Was he ever ready, with words of good cheer,

To bring back a smile, too banish a tear?

Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,

But how many were sorry

when he passed away?