
GIVE me a single day, I ask no more
    From dawn to dusk, ah, that is time enough
    To reach the goal that I am striving for;
  There is no need of further putting off
The little deeds of kindness I may do,
    The little words of kindness I may say;
    I need no distant morrow to be true,
    Give me a single day.
Give me a single day to live my life,
    For that is time enough for smiles and tears;
    I can as bravely bear my share of strife
    As though I were to live a thousand years.
I can be brave and patient and resigned,
    Helpful and cheerful as I go my way;
    I need no distant morrow to be kind,
    Give me a single day.
Give me a single day, 't is all I ask,
    And let me fill each minute with my best;
    I can complete my little daily task,
    And find contentment in my hour of rest.
I may not journey many, many miles,
    But I can view the roses where I stray,
    I need no distant morrow for my smiles,
    Give me a single day.
I do not ask to be allowed to live
    Another year or twenty, so that I
    When richer to the poor may proudly give,
    Neglecting now the chance that is close by.
I would not spend today in seeking gold,
    Saving tomorrow for the kindly deed;
    To prove that I am cheerful, helpful, bold,
    Only a day I need.
Let me but live a rounded life today,
    My virtues all in action as I stroll;
    For further time I would not ask or pray,
    Upon the future I 'd not risk my soul,
For in the time I have much I can do,
    Fearless, yet gentle in my simple way;
    I need no distant morrow to be true,
    Give me a single day.