"Live well...Laugh often...Love much!" - John McLeod

Photo: Rachel DeHayes     

Live….Laugh…and Love 

By John McLeod

Live well dear friends 

In all you do, 

Tho' paths be old 

Or paths be new, 

But to yourself 

Be ever true, 

Live well!

Laugh often friends 

Tho' passing years 

Bring, sometimes, smiles 

And, sometimes, tears, 

For mirth forever 

Warms and cheers 

Laugh often!

Love much dear friends 

For love will bring 

The healing joy 

And hope of Spring, 

Where pain and fear may never dwell 

Nor anguish touch….

And so Live well, 

Laugh often too, 

And more, dear friends, 

Love much!

The condensed (aka Target wall decal) version of this John McLeod poem, entitled "Live...Laugh...and Love," hangs over my bed in my New Orleans apartment. In decorating a room, I've never been one for posters. Most likely for the same reason I will never get a tattoo: there is nothing in picture/symbol form that I care about so much that I need it to be permanent. Not that posters are permanent, but I fear I'll tire of the latest movie title or trendy, abstract photo. So, when I found these three simple words that I paired with wine and accompanying grapes, I knew it was perfect for me. These are the first words I see in the morning, and the last words I see before going to bed. They are a subtle reminder to take a moment to reflect on life, to embrace the joy of laughter, and to relish all the love that I am so lucky to have and to give.