Old Year Leaves Being Old Verses Revised: By H. T. Mackenzie Bell ... New Edition |
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HELPFULNESS. |
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 | Old Year Leaves |  |
10
HELPFULNESS.
Behold a fine tree growing in a field,
Apart from any other, and alone,
With nothing to preserve it or to shield
It from the wind, yet it is ever known
To thrive as well as trees whose lot is thrown
In sheltered woods, saved from the wintry blast.
And first from it in spring is heard the tone
Of singing birds; for, while its branches last,
It is a blessing where its lonely lot is cast.
Apart from any other, and alone,
With nothing to preserve it or to shield
It from the wind, yet it is ever known
To thrive as well as trees whose lot is thrown
In sheltered woods, saved from the wintry blast.
And first from it in spring is heard the tone
Of singing birds; for, while its branches last,
It is a blessing where its lonely lot is cast.
How well if often thus with man it were,
For surely cheering others on their way
Would wondrously relieve our ceaseless care,
And dissipate the gloom of Life's drear day,
By teaching us that Love will truly pay
An hundredfold again what we bestow
Upon our brother toilers; none can say
The blessings that we reap when thus we show
Our sympathy for men by sharing in their woe.
For surely cheering others on their way
Would wondrously relieve our ceaseless care,
And dissipate the gloom of Life's drear day,
By teaching us that Love will truly pay
An hundredfold again what we bestow
Upon our brother toilers; none can say
The blessings that we reap when thus we show
Our sympathy for men by sharing in their woe.
| Old Year Leaves | |