Share this poem:
David Bates
Speak Gently - Poem by David Bates
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.
Read this poem in other languages
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem »
Read poems about / on: peace, child, fear, joy, life, heart, love, running, children
Famous Poems
-
Still I Rise
Maya Angelou
-
The Road Not Taken
Robert Frost
-
If You Forget Me
Pablo Neruda
-
Dreams
Langston Hughes
-
Annabel Lee
Edgar Allan Poe
-
Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening
Robert Frost
-
If
Rudyard Kipling
-
Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep
Mary Elizabeth Frye
-
I Do Not Love You Except Because I Love You
Pablo Neruda
-
Television
Roald Dahl
Actually I can’t understand that why does the poet says that affection voice is kind (Report) Reply
Very bad (Report) Reply
No meanings available (Report) Reply
plagarism... very sad
This poem was originally penned by G W Langford in 1909 and has been a part of the Christian Science Hymnal for nearly 100 years. http: //www.hymnary.org/hymn/CSH1909/60
It was beautifully covered by Larry Groce on his album Peace, Joy and Power in 1970.
Frank Levinson (Report) Reply
I am so amazed at this magically written poem. I'll give an 8 rating. (Report) Reply
From young to old, from poor to rich, gentle and kind words have their magic cast on all of them.We can change the world through our gentle way.Yes, I agree that this poem deserve much higher rating. (Report) Reply
This is a superb poem written so elegantly. Each stanza gave the message on the how to lead our life for peace and happiness in our environment. I congratulate the poet from the bottom of my heart. Thanks for sharing!
I fully agree with Kim Barney, it deserves more than 10. (Report) Reply
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! (Report) Reply
Lovely poem! Everyone should read it once every day! (Report) Reply
Beautiful, it is indeed a poem to be read daily, by all. May I add a last few lines of A Credo to join hands with yours.
Teach your soul
Loving Kindness to all
As credo! Panmelys 2014 Peace be with you for sharing such glowing words as an example to cherish. Kindly. (Report) Reply
One of the most enduring messages for man. Let all religious discourse begin with this magnificent poem. I quote a few lines: Speak gently - let not harsh words mar / The good we might do here! / Let no harsh tone be heard; (Report) Reply
This poem needs to be read every day like morning prayer. Gentleness will seep in. (Report) Reply
like it this is one that i might want to read again, , later in life (Report) Reply
beautiful! wonderful message too. i love it! (Report) Reply