The loveliest wish from all my dears
Comes on this day of grateful cheer;
I cherish, as they grow,
The love they bore me long ago,
And love to hear, now,
Their greetings on this happy day.
And when I read their loving words,
And feel their grateful thoughts ascending,
I feel my heart with joy is stirred,
And all my life is filled with lending.
I do not seek them for their gold,
I do not ask for fame or praise,
But only for the love untold
That breathes in every word they say.
I thank them for their thoughts of me,
And for their love, so true and tender;
And I will cherish them,
and be A teacher still,
in thought and tender.
© @richie