Birdwatching and a Poem

Influence
We may not realize a kind word

spoken

May cheer some lonely heart that's

almost broken.

We go about our daily tasks without

a care Of burdens we might lighten here or

there.

Our daily occupation seems to be

So all important that we fail to see

Kind words and deeds will far outlive

the rest;

We say or do and that alone will

make us truly blessed.

For on some future day we know not

when,

Our daily work will cease to trouble

us, and then

Like ripples on the waves they'll

reach the farther shore

And we will find them there when we

cross o'er.

We little know the influence of a

word

For good or bad that we some bosom

stirred;

We pass them by, nor do we care to

know

Those thoughtless words we spoke

were but a blow

And rankled in the heart of some

dear friend___

And some kind word to one with

cares oppressed

May cheer their heart till they are

blessed,

And in return we get some cheerful

word from those who love us yet.

And when we have no kind friend to

linger near

Some ray of sunshine as from clouds

above Will fill our hearts with peace, con-

tent and love.

O, speak the word of comfort now

and here Before the flowers are scattered o'er

the bier.
__Nettie Squire Sutton.