The Proof - A poem by May Williams Ward

He was a man that spoke in platitude
And shaped his life, as well, by folk-worn saws.
We wondered at him, not without a cause,
So strange he seemed, ingenuous and crude:
Having beliefs and rules for action! When
A household friend seduced his wife away
"Show yourself friendly," still we heard him say;
And "Honesty is best," when other men
Taking advantage of his openness
Fooled him. Refuted so on every hand
Still he believed. We cannot understand
Why when he died, it seemed somehow success.
Perhaps one platitude proved true. His face
Shone as though finding Heaven a happy place.

The Proof.