Grand Haven Daily Tribune  June 6, 1902

Words and Deeds

―

BY DAVID FLETCHER HUNTON.

—

How often in a thoughtless way,

We’re apt to speak a bitter word,

And without thinking what we say,

Or by whose ears it may be heard:

Thus may we wound a trusting heart,

Simply by carelessness of speech;

Perhaps may wrench some souls’ apart

From friendly ties, or love’s sweet reach.

A surly look may hurt our own,

And may darken many of a day!

A petulant, impatient tone,

May drive a dear friend far away!

Aye! Some will let their passions rise.

Against the friend whose love is true,

And turn away from pleading eyes;

Without once caring what they do!

With angry words, some will accuse

Those whom they have within their power;

Most cruelly they’ll crush and bruise,

In passion’s wild and reckless hour!

Our brutal deeds, and all we say,

May seem to vanish in still air;

But in the “Last great judgment day,”

They surely will confront us there!

A kindly sympathetic word,

When spoken in a tender way

To sadden hearts, has often stirred

Fond hopes, which seldom fade away;

The seed we sow, with careless hand,

Thinking we may not see again;

May grow to weeds upon the land,

And cause us trouble, grief and pain!

Were we to see one soul in grief,

And leave it wholly comfortless;

How could we ask God for relief,

In our affliction and distress?

If I could cheer a troubled heart,

And still should wrongfully decline;

Will God remove the pain and smart,

Which may afflict this heart of mine?

That day is lost, wherein we fail

To help a burdened fainting, brother!

Our prayers for aid may not avail,

If we neglect to help another!

When we see want, and sore distress,

And do not aid by deed or word,

We, too, in utter helplessness,

May cry for help, and not be heard!

Grand Haven, Mich.

June, A. D., 1902.