SPEAK BUT KIND WORDS.
Speak but kind words to those you love,
For there may come a day
When what you’ve said, and what you’ve done
E’er more will with you stay.
If you have unkind words to say,
O say them to the dead;
The dead cannot by them be grieved,
Their hearts not filled with dread.
Nor filled with fear and hopelessness.—
And you will not regret
That you have caused unhappiness.
For you can ne’er forget
That you have caused a loved one grief,
Your words have given pain.
You never can forgive yourself,
And Love you may have slain.
A word seems but a little thing,
But it may break a heart,
Though thought is but a vapor light,
It causes many a smart.
It is the little pin pricks sharp
That are so hard to bear.
We are prepared for troubles great,
And only have our share.
Then speak kind words to those you love,
It is not hard to do.
Just keep a guard o’er thoughts, and tongue,
Then you’ll have naught to rue.
When death shall come to those we love,
If we have caused them pain,
Repentance then will be too late,
Regrets will then be vain.