Speak gently! -- It is better far
To rule by love, than fear --
Speak gently -- let not harsh words mar
The good we might do here!
Speak gently! -- Love doth whisper low
The vows that true hearts bind;
And gently Friendship's accents flow;
Affection's voice is kind.
Speak gently to the little child!
Its love be sure to gain;
Teach it in accents soft and mild: --
It may not long remain.
Speak gently to the young, for they
Will have enough to bear --
Pass through this life as best they may,
'T is full of anxious care!
Speak gently to the aged one,
Grieve not the care-worn heart;
The sands of life are nearly run,
Let such in peace depart!
Speak gently, kindly, to the poor;
Let no harsh tone be heard;
They have enough they must endure,
Without an unkind word!
Speak gently to the erring -- know,
They may have toiled in vain;
Perchance unkindness made them so;
Oh, win them back again!
Speak gently! -- He who gave his life
To bend man's stubborn will,
When elements were in fierce strife,
Said to them, 'Peace, be still.'
Speak gently! -- 't is a little thing
Dropped in the heart's deep well;
The good, the joy, which it may bring,
Eternity shall tell.
like it this is one that i might want to read again, , later in life
Excellent poem with an excellent message. Deserves a much higher rating than the 6.5 out of ten given by the 51 voters so far!
You are absolutely right, Kim, from me this poem gets the myriad stars in our galaxy, please count that for me, thank you, Kim
Great precious message in this Classic Poem Of The Day. Congratulations to the family of the late poet. Top Marks!
This poem emphasis upon speaking gently. By speaking gently we can attain the spiritual power of rule. Treating someone harshly is a kind of moral sin which can devastate our good deeds. Speak gently is the best way to train a child and win over his love and trust.
Speak gently! -- 't is a little thing Dropped in the heart's deep well; ….thank you for this beautiful reminder.
Be gentle everywhere with everyone anytime it's great character of human; great to read
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
beautiful! wonderful message too. i love it!