Idelle Beadnell was one of my favorite people. Over the years she gave me kind advice and support. This poem was found in her personal papers after her death. We all agree it defines her attitude towards all people.

I KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT YOU.

 

Wouldn't this world be better,

If the folks we meet would say

"I know something good about you."

And then treat us just that way?

Wouldn't it be fine and dandy

If each hand-clasp warm

Carried with it this assurance.

I know something good of you?

Wouldn't things here be more pleasant

If the good that's in us all

Were the only thing about us

That folks bothered to recall?

Wouldn't life be lots more happy

If we'd praise the good we see?

For there's such a lot of goodness

In the worst of you and me.

Wouldn't it be nice to practice

This fine way of thinking too,

You know something good about me.

I know something good about you?

Idelle, waiting at home.