Trust those who hear the ringing clear
Of bells, and not of coins that clink.
Who measure conscience by your measure,
Whose “yes” means yes, whose “no” means no!
Hasten to those who long for meeting,
Who wait for you as for a feast.
One evening spent with them each year
Can feed the soul a whole year through.
Cherish those who are dear to your heart,
Over whom time holds no sway.
Who lead you upward even then
When the summit cannot be seen.
How many radiant with light
Walk beside us on life’s road.
God grant we find them. And alongside —
God grant we find ourselves within!
Forget those who in their new life
Have forgotten who they were before,
Whose carelessly discarded words
Are scattered by the winds of time.
Do not call upon the indifferent —
They will not answer, all the same.
Beyond their outward senses, likely
Nothing deeper has been given them.
Seek those who will truly hear you,
Who’ll know you in a crowd and call,
With whom a slender thread from heaven
Fate will bind you, fast and firm.
Hold on to those who, though they argue,
Stand with you in what matters most.
Who shared with you the tears of sorrow,
And the wine of riotous joy.