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Do All You Can
There are many ways we can show love to the people who matter most in our lives. Sometimes it is through kind words, sometimes through a helping hand, and sometimes simply by taking the time to show someone how much they mean to us.
Life passes quickly, and we never want to look back wishing we had done more for those we love. The opportunities we have today to encourage, appreciate, forgive, and care for others may not always be there tomorrow. A thoughtful word or loving gesture may seem small, but it can mean more than we realize.
In Do All You Can, Arthur Franklin Fuller reminds us not to wait to express our love and appreciation. His poem encourages us to cherish those around us while we have the opportunity and to let our actions show just how much we care.
Updated September 24, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
Do All You Can
Poet: Arthur Franklin Fuller
Do all you can for those you ought to love -
'Tis thoughtfulness and service that best prove -
Awaken! realize each circled dial -
The worth of what 'tis yours to own a while;
Bring now your flowers, the praise so fitly said -
'Twill bless the living - cannot cheer the dead;
Let men deride your sentimental spell -
Stay calm and know that you are doing well.
Do all you can for her whom you should love -
Each fleeting opportunity improve -
Be gentle, kind and tender while you may
Regrets cannot bring back this passing day;
And if she craves for admiration's balm,
Deny her not, but lie without a qualm
If need be - such sin will God condone -
Her happiness will for that blot atone.
Do all you can for those you ought to love -
O rather be dumb than in haste to reprove -
About those blunders which you now deplore.
You'll some day cry, "Come back and make some more!"
No harshness, just or unjust is forgiven
By self when death these ties for aye has riven
O cherish those who love you - crave your love -
And God will smile a blessing from above.
Key Reflections In This Poem
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Show Your Love While You Can
We should not wait for another day to show people how much they mean to us. Kind words and thoughtful actions are most valuable when we have the opportunity to give them.
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Thoughtfulness Shows We Care
Love is often demonstrated through the simple things we do for others. Being attentive, helpful, and considerate can say more than words alone.
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Give Your Flowers To The Living
Fuller reminds us to offer our praise and appreciation while people are here to receive it. A compliment, word of thanks, or expression of love can bring happiness today.
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Choose Kindness Over Criticism
Harsh words can leave regrets that are difficult to erase. Being patient with the mistakes of those we love can help us build relationships filled with understanding and grace.
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Do Not Take Loved Ones For Granted
Life moves quickly, and our time together is precious. Cherishing the people who love us helps us live without the regret of wishing we had shown them more love when we had the chance.
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Conclusion
Arthur Franklin Fuller's words remind us that love is something to be expressed while we have the opportunity. We cannot return to yesterday to offer the kind word we left unsaid or give the encouragement we meant to give, but we can make a different choice today.
May this poem encourage you to appreciate the people in your life, overlook small faults, and do what you can to make their days a little brighter. When we choose thoughtfulness, kindness, and love, we create memories that both we and those around us can treasure.
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