Dear Louise,
What a pleasure it is for me to have a letter from you and to hear about the class’s wonderful poetry project! I especially admire all this work for refugee children and I am happy to be a part of it.
There are two different poems that are a part of my life. One is in my wallet and has been since I can’t remember when.
Life is mostly froth and bubble,
Two things stand like stone;
Kindness in another’s trouble,
Courage in your own.
— A. L. Gordon
The other I read for the first time when I was in college, and I copied it then. It beautifully says what I deeply believe, that love is the center of our lives and being.
He that loveth, flieth, runneth, and rejoiceth;
He is free and not “bound” …
Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of trouble,
Attempts what is above its strength
Pleads no excuse of impossibility …
For it thinks all things possible.
It is therefore able to undertake all things, and it
Completes many things, and brings them to a conclusion,
Where he who does not love, faints and lies down.
— Thomas à Kempis
Please put in my order for the book when it is ready, and meanwhile this brings love and admiration for all of you for fine work on behalf of refugee youngsters.
Affectionately,
