Skip to content
1852–1933

GRATITUDE

Henry Van Dyke

“Do you give thanks for this?— or that?” No, God be thanked I am not grateful In that cold, calculating way, with blessings ranked As one, two, three, and four,— that would be hateful.

I only know that every day brings good above My poor deserving; I only feel that in the road of Life true Love Is leading me along and never swerving.

Whatever gifts and mercies to my lot may fall, I would not measure As worth a certain price in praise, or great or small; But take and use them all with simple pleasure.

For when we gladly eat our daily bread, we bless The Hand that feeds us; And when we tread the road of Life in cheerfulness, Our very heart-beats praise the Love that leads us.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
GRATITUDE · Henry Van Dyke · Poetry Cove