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As I Go On My Way
Each day our lives touch the lives of others, often in ways we may never realize. In As I Go On My Way, Strickland Gillilan reminds us that our words, actions, and attitudes can leave an impression on the people we meet.
A smile, a kind word, a helping hand, or simply taking the time to listen may seem like a small thing, yet it can make a difference in someone's day. In the same way, impatience, criticism, or an unkind response can leave a mark that we never intended.
This thoughtful poem encourages us to consider the influence we have as we go about our daily lives. Whether we are with family, at work, or simply passing someone along the way, we have opportunities to encourage, help, and show kindness. May these verses remind us that what we do matters and inspire us to leave a little more hope and goodness wherever we go.
Updated September 17, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
As I Go On My Way
Poet: Strickland Gillilan
My life shall touch a dozen lives before this day is done
Leave countless marks for good or ill ere sets this evening sun.
Shall fair or foul its imprint prove, on those my life shall hail?
Shall blessing my impress be, or shall a blight prevail?
When to the last great reckoning the lives I meet must go,
Shall this ever, fleeting touch of mine have added joy or woe?
Shall He who looks their records o’er - of name and time and place
Say ‘Here a blessed influence came’ or ‘Here is evil’s trace’?
From out each point of contact of my life with other lives
Flows ever that which helps the one who for the summit strives,
The troubled souls encountered - does it sweeten with its touch,
Or does it more embitter those embittered overmuch?
Does love in every handclasp flow in sympathy’s caress?
Do those that I have greeted know a newborn hopefulness?
Are tolerance and charity the keynote of my song
As I go plodding onward with earth’s eager, anxious throng?
My life shall touch a million lives in some way ere I go
From this dear world of struggle to the land I do not know.
So this the wish I always wish, the prayer I ever pray:
Let my life help the other lives it touches by the way.
Key Reflections In This Poem
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Our Lives Influence Others
We may not always see the difference we make, but our words, actions, and attitudes can leave an impression on the people we meet. Each day gives us opportunities to bring encouragement, kindness, and hope to others.
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Small Acts Of Kindness Matter
A smile, a kind word, or a thoughtful gesture may seem small, yet it can brighten someone's day. Simple acts of caring can have a lasting impact on the lives we touch.
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Choose The Influence You Leave Behind
Strickland Gillilan encourages us to think about the mark we leave on others. We can choose to bring patience, understanding, and compassion into our interactions each day.
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Helping Others Gives Life Purpose
We do not need to accomplish something great to make a difference. Often, it is through everyday moments of kindness and support that we bring meaning to our lives and the lives of others.
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Let Your Life Be A Blessing
The poem reminds us that our greatest wish can be to help the people we encounter along the way. May we live in a way that leaves others feeling encouraged, valued, and cared for.
Inspiring Quotes From The Poem
"My life shall touch a dozen lives before this day is done - leave countless marks for good or ill ere sets this evening sun."
Strickland Gillilan
We may never know how many people are affected by the way we live each day. A smile, a kind word, a little patience, or simply acknowledging someone can make a difference. What seems like a small gesture to us may bring encouragement to someone who is having a difficult day. Gillilan's words remind us to be more aware of the impression we leave behind.
"Do those that I have greeted know a newborn hopefulness?"
Strickland Gillilan
What a wonderful thought to consider. Do people feel a little more hopeful after spending time with us? We cannot solve every problem another person faces, but we can offer encouragement, understanding, and kindness. Sometimes a warm greeting or a few thoughtful words are enough to help someone see their day in a brighter way.
"So this the wish I always wish, the prayer I ever pray: let my life help the other lives it touches by the way."
Strickland Gillilan
These closing words beautifully sum up the message of the poem. A life that helps others does not require great achievements or grand gestures. Often it is the little things we do each day that matter most. May we look for opportunities to encourage, support, and show kindness, so that those we meet may feel a little more hopeful because our paths crossed.
Popular Pages
Discover more poems and quotes about using our words wisely, helping others, and making a positive difference each day.
Discover these Words Have Power Quotes and be reminded that what we say can encourage, inspire, and make a difference in someone's day.
Think Before We Speak reminds us to choose our words with care and consider how they may affect those around us.
Let these Helping Others Quotes inspire you to look for simple ways to encourage and support the people whose lives touch yours.
You Don't Have To Be Rich shares the encouraging reminder that making a difference in someone's life often costs nothing more than kindness and caring.
Conclusion
As I Go On My Way is a wonderful reminder that each of us has an influence on the people around us. We may not always realize the difference a kind word, a smile, or a thoughtful action can make, but even the smallest gesture can brighten someone's day.
As we go about our daily lives, may we remember Strickland Gillilan's simple prayer and look for ways to help the lives we touch along the way. We may never know the full effect of our kindness, but that should never stop us from giving it.
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