Speak gently! -- It is better far <br /> To rule by love, than fear -- <br /> Speak gently -- let not harsh words mar <br /> The good we might do here! <br /> <br /> Speak gently! -- Love doth whisper low <br /> The vows that true hearts bind; <br /> And gently Friendship's accents flow; <br /> Affection's voice is kind. <br /> <br /> Speak gently to the little child! <br /> Its love be sure to gain; <br /> Teach it in accents soft and mild: -- <br /> It may not long remain. <br /> <br /> Speak gently to the young, for they <br /> Will have enough to bear -- <br /> Pass through this life as best they may, <br /> 'T is full of anxious care! <br /> <br /> Speak gently to the aged one, <br /> Grieve not the care-worn heart; <br /> The sands of life are nearly run, <br /> Let such in peace depart! <br /> <br /> Speak gently, kindly, to the poor; <br /> Let no harsh tone be heard; <br /> They have enough they must endure, <br /> Without an unkind word! <br /> <br /> Speak gently to the erring -- know, <br /> They may have toiled in vain; <br /> Perchance unkindness made them so; <br /> Oh, win them back again! <br /> <br /> Speak gently! -- He who gave his life <br /> To bend man's stubborn will, <br /> When elements were in fierce strife, <br /> Said to them, 'Peace, be still.' <br /> <br /> Speak gently! -- 't is a little thing <br /> Dropped in the heart's deep well; <br /> The good, the joy, which it may bring, <br /> Eternity shall tell.<br /><br />David Bates<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/speak-gently/
