This poem was a must for many fourth to sixth grade children in this country generations ago. A simple deeply religious poem, it lingers in the minds of many who consider it their favorite poem and favorite reminder of childhood and grade school days.
The poem talks about peace, love of God and fellow man and the result of such love------ name appears at the top of the list.
Enjoy, and remember ------various medical missions, the needy, other projects to benefit God's creation,----your nuclear family, your family, yourself last.


Here goes Leigh Hunt's classic



"Abou Ben Adhem"

Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An Angel writing in a book of gold:
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the Presence in the room he said,
"What writest thou?"
The Vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accordAnswered,
"The names of those who love the Lord."
"And is mine one?" said Abou.
"Nay, not so,"Replied the Angel.
Abou spoke more low,But cheerily still; and said,
"I pray thee, then,Write me as one who loves his fellow men.
"The Angel wrote, and vanished.
The next night It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blessed,
And, lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest!

Leigh Hunt.