For those of us who think that our lives do not count for anything and do not contribute to the world, here is assurance that what we do matters, that we have worth and that we can “contribute a verse.”

Contributing a verse or something else is well worth thinking about. Since we go around once on this earth, we need to leave something worthwhile when we can.  And we know that “a verse” comes in many forms.

Maybe our verse is in work. Most people provide a needed service to their community, if not to the world. Unless you support yourself in ways that are harmful, unethical or illegal, you are probably leaving verse, so to speak.

Maybe our verse is the raising of children who will grow up to make their own verse. Children see us contributing, and they learn how to do the same with their own lives by observation, instruction and desire to imitate their parents’ or guardians’ own ethic.

Maybe our verse is in volunteerism, altruism or philanthropy, all of which can be done in quiet, steady ways. We do not have to set up a famous foundation or donate millions to worthy causes to leave a legacy to our society.

Maybe we can adopt a neighbor-helping-neighbor lifestyle. We read and hear about people taking care of neighbors all the time, although this practice might not be as common as it was in the past. Since some people do not even know those in their neighborhood these days due to fear and distrust, there is much to be done in this form of contributing a verse.

Maybe our verse is in some physical gift to our family. For example, think of those people who have made quilts, furniture or some other kind of craft that gets passed down to their relatives. The gift is verse in the form of practicality, love and beauty that might last for many years.

Maybe our verse is art that we create and share with the world. Those who write music, design sculpture, paint portraits or scenes and express beauty and emotion through dance, acting or any other medium are leaving something to the world. Let us not forget writers, photographers, builders, architects and other artistic designers who leave their mark.

What about educators, spiritual leaders, counselors, medical workers and those whose work to protect us and come to our rescue? Their verse leaves its mark and is talked about and appreciated for the long term.

Even in turbulent times when the future may seem bleak, we can leave something good to our world and fellow humans.

Poets leave their literal verse. Walt Whitman writes in “O Me! O Life” about the “poor results of all, of the plodding and sordid crowds I see around me.”

Whitman asks the question, “What good amid these, O me, O life?” Then he answers his own question: “That you are here — that life exists and identity, / That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.”

Sanda Baucom Hight is retired from Wilson County Schools after serving as an English teacher and is currently a substitute teacher in Wilson County.