Have You Earned Your Tomorrow by Edgar Guest| Class 12th Maharashtra Board

Warm-Up

What are the best virtues of mankind?

Why are some personalities immortal ?

What makes you human?

Did you meet any person in your past you still remember for good cause ?

Did you meet any person who made you hopeless?

Did you meet any person who stirred your grief ?

Did you meet any person who won their heart by the words they spoke with you.?

Some Quotes on Humanity and Great virtues

The poem by Edgar Guest titled “Is Anybody Happier Because You Passed His Way?” is a reflective piece that encourages introspection about one’s interactions and actions in life. The poem asks a series of questions to prompt the reader to consider how they impact the lives of others.

The poem begins by asking if anyone is happier because of the presence and actions of the reader. It emphasizes the importance of leaving a positive impression on those we encounter. The questions challenge the reader to assess whether they have been kind and generous in their interactions or if they have been self-centered and inconsiderate.

The poem also suggests that our daily actions can have a lasting impact on others, and it questions whether we have made a positive difference in someone’s life. It asks if we have offered kindness, encouragement, or assistance to those in need.

In the end, the poem encourages the reader to reflect on how they have spent their day and whether they have left a trail of kindness or a scar of discontent. It suggests that our actions should be such that, when we close our eyes at night, we can hope to have earned another opportunity to make a positive impact in the world.

Overall, the poem serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness, empathy, and making a positive difference in the lives of others through our daily interactions and actions.

Text of the Poem: Have You Earned Your Tomorrow by Edgar Guest

Is anybody happier because you passed his way?

Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?

This day is almost over, and its toiling time is through;

Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?

Did you give a cheerful greeting to the friend who came along?

Or a churlish sort of “Howdy” and then vanish in the throng?

Were you selfish pure and simple as you rushed along the way,

Or is someone mighty grateful for a deed you did today?

Can you say tonight, in parting with the days 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 a man whose hopes were fading now with 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 scar of discontent?

As you close your eyes in slumber do you think that God would say,

You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you did today?

Summary of the The Poem: Have You Earned Your Tomorrow by Edgar Guest

Overall, the poem serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness, empathy, and making a positive difference in the lives of others through our daily interactions and actions.

Central Idea of the Poem

The central idea of “Have You Earned Your Tomorrow?” by Edgar Guest is that the way we live our lives today, with kindness and purpose, determines the quality of our future. It emphasizes the importance of doing good deeds and leaving a positive impact on others and the world to earn a better tomorrow.

Guidelines for the Teachers to Incorporate virtues among students

Incorporating values like gratitude, a helping nature, forgiveness, care for the needy, polite language, and the ability to say sorry easily in your child’s upbringing can have a lasting positive impact. Here’s a task to nurture these values:

Gratitude Journal:

Materials Needed:

A notebook or journal
Art supplies (optional)
Stickers or markers (optional)

Introduction: Begin by explaining the importance of being grateful for the good things in life and helping those in need. Emphasize that saying “thank you” and “sorry” are ways to show gratitude and express regret.
Create a Gratitude Journal: Provide your child with a notebook or journal that they can personalize. Encourage them to decorate it if they like.
Daily Gratitude Entry: Every day, ask your child to write down at least three things they are grateful for. These can be simple things like a sunny day, a delicious meal, or spending time with family. Encourage them to express why they are thankful for these things.
Acts of Kindness: Allocate a specific day each week for acts of kindness. Help your child identify ways they can help others, such as helping a classmate with homework, assisting in household chores, or donating toys to those in need.
Politeness Practice: Teach your child polite phrases like “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.” Encourage them to use these phrases consistently in daily interactions.
Forgiveness Discussion: Discuss the importance of forgiveness. Explain that everyone makes mistakes, and it’s a virtue to forgive and say sorry when needed. Share examples of how forgiveness can mend relationships.
Saying Sorry: Encourage your child to apologize when they’ve made a mistake or hurt someone’s feelings. Teach them that saying sorry is a way to take responsibility for their actions and show that they care about others’ feelings.
Reflect and Discuss: Set aside time regularly to reflect on your child’s journal entries and their acts of kindness. Discuss how these practices make them feel and how it positively impacts their relationships with others.
Lead by Example: Be a role model for your child by demonstrating gratitude, politeness, and a willingness to apologize when you make a mistake.
Reward System: Consider implementing a reward system to recognize and reinforce their efforts in practicing these values. This could be as simple as stickers or small treats for consistent good behavior.