Helen Steiner Rice is acclaimed as America's beloved inspirational poet laureate. She has inspired millions of people through her sensitive, loving verses. Her strong faith and belief in God sustained her thru life which was punctuated by tragedy. She lost her father during the 1918 flu epidemic. She and her husband suffered financially during the 1930s recession. Her husband committed suicide due to depression. But the seeds of her sorrow gave birth to some of her most uplifting verses.
Everyone Needs Someone
People need people and friends need friends,
And we all need love for a full life depends-
Not on vast riches or great acclaim,
Not on success or on worldy fame,
But just in knowing that someone cares,
And holds us close in their thoughts and prayers-
For only the knowledge that we're understood,
Makes everyday living feel wonderfully good,
And we rob ourselves of life's greatest need,
When we "lock up our hearts" and fail to heed,
The outstretched hand reaching to find,
A kindred spirit whose heart and mind,
Are lonely and longing to somehow share,
Our joys and sorrows and to make us aware,
That life's completeness and richness depends,
On the things we share with our loved ones and friends.
Prayers Can't Be Answered Unless They Are Prayed
Life without purpose is barren indeed
There can't be a harvest unless you plant seed
There can't be attainment unless there's a goal
And man's but a robot unless there's a soul
If we send no ships out, no ships will come in
And unless there's a contest, nobody can't win
For games can't be won unless they are played
And prayers can't be answered unless they are prayed.
So whatever is wrong with your life today
You'll find a solution if you kneel down and pray
Not just for pleasure, enjoyment and health
Not just for honors and prestige and wealth
But pray for a purpose to make life worth giving
And pray for the joy of unselfish giving
For great is your gladness and rich your reward
When you make your life's purpose the choice of the Lord.
Everyone Needs Someone
People need people and friends need friends,
And we all need love for a full life depends-
Not on vast riches or great acclaim,
Not on success or on worldy fame,
But just in knowing that someone cares,
And holds us close in their thoughts and prayers-
For only the knowledge that we're understood,
Makes everyday living feel wonderfully good,
And we rob ourselves of life's greatest need,
When we "lock up our hearts" and fail to heed,
The outstretched hand reaching to find,
A kindred spirit whose heart and mind,
Are lonely and longing to somehow share,
Our joys and sorrows and to make us aware,
That life's completeness and richness depends,
On the things we share with our loved ones and friends.
Prayers Can't Be Answered Unless They Are Prayed
Life without purpose is barren indeed
There can't be a harvest unless you plant seed
There can't be attainment unless there's a goal
And man's but a robot unless there's a soul
If we send no ships out, no ships will come in
And unless there's a contest, nobody can't win
For games can't be won unless they are played
And prayers can't be answered unless they are prayed.
So whatever is wrong with your life today
You'll find a solution if you kneel down and pray
Not just for pleasure, enjoyment and health
Not just for honors and prestige and wealth
But pray for a purpose to make life worth giving
And pray for the joy of unselfish giving
For great is your gladness and rich your reward
When you make your life's purpose the choice of the Lord.
