It all depends on the view you take,
And the sort of a goal you want to make;
It all depends on the things you seek,
Men will answer the way you speak;
Frown and they'll offer you frown for frown,
Snarl and you'll find it a snarling town.

You merely gather the fruit you sow -
Sin, and sinners alone you'll know;
Hate, and wherever you go you'll find
Hatred and Malice of every kind.
Lie, and you'll learn ere the day is through
Liars have peddled their lies to you.

The world is a mirror upon the shelf,
Wherein you may readily see your self;
You'll find it good if you seek the best,
And, whether its north, south, east or west,
If only the smile of a friend you show,
You'll find it friendly wherever you go.

Travel the highways up or down
On the village street or the busy town,
And you will find, whatever the place,
Men read your thoughts and they read your face;
They'll play the friend or they'll play the foe
And you'll find what you seek, wherever you go.

From a book of poetry received by Aspinwall School Student Rosalia Brandt in 1944.