At Day's End

At day's end is an interesting poem to me for a variety of reasons. My dad (Florence's nephew ) was also John Hall. I don't think he is the author, because he was born in 1924 and would have been 9 or 10 when Florence pasted this piece in the book. 

I believe that the author was a member of the Masonic Order.  The poem in Florence's journal uses the term "The Great Architect" to refer to God.  When I google "At Day's End," most of the more current citing of this poem have changed "The Great Architect" to "God".

To me, that's a curious change. The Masons refer to a higher Deity as The Great Architect because they allow their members to believe in the deity of their choice. The term "The Great Architect" includes, God, Allah, Yahweh, or whatever the individual personal god happens to be.  As much bad press as the Masonic Order seems to receive lately, I personally find this to be a very inclusive viewpoint.

It's also curious that my dad, John Hall, was a Mason.  Just one of those weird coincidences in life.  I do love this poem, it's a great read at bedtime, or to post in a gratitude journal.
 

Is anyone happier now

because you passed this way?

Does anyone remember

that you spoke to him today?

The day is almost over,

as its toiling time is though;

Is there anyone now

to utter a kindly word of you?

Can you say tonight, in parting

with the day that's slipping fast,

That you helped a single Brother

of the many that you passed?

Is a single heart rejoicing

over what you did or said;

Does the friend whose hopes were fading,

now with renewed courage look ahead?

 Did you waste the day, or lose it?

 Was it well, or sorely spent?

 Did you leave a trail of kindness,

or a bleak scar of discontent?

 

As you close your eyes in slumber,

do you think the Great Architect will say,

  "You have earned one more tomorrow

 by the good works you did today"