Not, How Did He Die,But How Did He Live?

Author Unknown

Not how did he die, 

but how did he live?
Not what did he gain, 

but what did he give?

These are the units 

to measure the worth
Of a man as man, 

regardless of birth.

Not what was his church, 

nor what was his creed?
But had he befriended 

those really in need?

Was he ever read, 

with word of good cheer.
To bring back a smile, 

to banish a tear?

Not what did the sketch 

in the newspaper say,
But how many were sorry 

when he passed away.