A sunbeam lingered on the floor,
A child was standing near.
She said, "I wish 'twould stay with me,
But it will go again I fear."
The little sunbeam answered,
'Tis my duty soon to go,
For other little children.
Love me just as well, you know.
I stay with you all day you see,
And when it's time for you to sleep,
'Tis then I cross the ocean,
And through their window peep.
If I should stay here while you slept,
It would be no joy to me.
If to your bedside I should 'creep,
Your pleasant dreams would flee.
So you see the proper way,
Is to' enjoy me all you can,
While I linger here beside you,
For my work is one great plan.
I, like thou, have my own mission,
And to do it I must try;
I can not leave it for another.
None can do it, none but I.
But from me you learn a lesson.
Brighten home if nothing more;
Always strive to do your duty,
Like the sunbeam on the floor.