After

When from this dreary world of endless strife,
My soul shall cease to take its usual place
In acts that will so plainly leave a trace
Of what accomplished in my weary life.
And when the mourning of my gentle wife
Hath ceased. And men well known in this race
Expressed their fair opinion in this case
As good or bad my contributes to life
Have been. Will then some kindly soul just say
To this tremendous stage of all mankind:
“He had his faults yet well his aim was meant.
The good he did, please let us not delay,
To take and teach, so that the young in mind
May learn; and thus their life be better spent.”

LESLIE NEUFELD
GRADE X
NOV.15,1939

[handwritten above date, edge cropped:]
Altona M