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# Simple but Lovely Poem on the Nature of Daily Work
- URL: https://mereorthodoxy.com/simple-but-lovely-poem-on-the-nature-of-daily-work/
- Published: 2007-01-14T01:22:07.000Z
- Updated: 2026-04-20T21:30:22.000Z
- Description: Simple but Lovely Poem on the Nature of Daily Work
- Author: Mere Orthodoxy
- Tags: Matthew Lee Anderson, Poetry

I think this poem goes along well with Dorothy Sayers' "Why Work?" and is a clear statement of the Christian understanding of work. The author is Henry Van Dyke, American poet and writer of that famous hymn, "Joyful, Joyful."

#### WORK

Let me but do my work from day to day,  
 In field or forest, at the desk or loom,  
 In roaring market-place or tranquil room;  
Let me but find it in my heart to say,  
When vagrant wishes beckon me astray,  
 “This is my work; my blessing, not my doom;  
 Of all who live, I am the one by whom  
This work can best be done in the right way.”

Then shall I see it not too great, nor small,  
 To suit my spirit and to prove my powers;  
 Then shall I cheerful greet the labouring hours,  
And cheerful turn, when the long shadows fall  
At eventide, to play and love and rest,  
Because I know for me my work is best.

If you want more Henry van Dyke, you can read about him [here](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry%5Fvan%5FDyke?ref=mereorthodoxy.com), and read his poetry and other writings [here.](http://www.gutenberg.org/files/16229/16229-h/16229-h.htm?ref=mereorthodoxy.com)