These Things Shall Never Die

The pure, the bright, the beautiful, that stirred our hearts in youth,
The impulses to wordless prayer, the dreams of love and truth;
The longing after something's lost, the spirit's yearning cry,
The striving after better hopes - these things can never die.

The timid hand stretched forth, to aid a brother in his need,
A kindly word in grief's dark hour that proves a friend indeed:
The plea for mercy softly breathed, when justice threatens nigh,
The sorrow of a contrite heart - these things shall never die.

Let nothing pass for every hand must find some work to do;
Lost not a chance to waken love - be firm, and just, and true:
So shall a light that cannot fade, beam on thee from on high.
And angel voices say to thee - these things shall never die.

- Charles Dickens