The Open Gate

A friendly cup, a friendly plate,

A friendly word by a friendly gate

Will banish trouble and doubt and fear,

And lift our hearts with a bit of cheer;

Will cast out prejudice and hate,--

Just friendly chats by an open gate: 

Keeping good fellowship the while,

With a clasp of the hand and a welcoming smile:

Keeping faith in God and Humanity;

Searching for TRUTH in humility;

Letting LOVE and JUSTICE be the key

To the door of a better day to be!

          ---Marcia A. Taylor 1949 (my great-great aunt)