Be Kind to One Another
Be kind to one another!
Th’ alchemist’s magic stone
That turns to gold the dross of life,
Is love and love alone.
How many who now fret and weep
All minor griefs might smother,
If they would but this mandate keep,—
“Be kind to one another.”
Be kind to one another!
Sweet words and gentle looks
Set free the love-streams of the soul,
As springs unlock the brooks;
But pride and coldness seal the hearts
Of good men from each other.
If thou wouldst learn men’s nobler parts
Be kind to one another!—
Be kind to one another!
What though a churlish elf
Thy neighbour seem! Must thou retort,
And be as bad thyself?
Couldst thou the secret heart behold
Of any erring brother,
Thou in the worst wouldst find some gold—
Be kind to one another.
Be kind to one another!
Life is too short to waste
In foolish enmity and strife,—
Time flies with ruthless haste;—
Soon death with an impartial hand
Will level foe and brother,
Oh! prize the hours thou mayst command—
Be kind to one another!
H. W. Bidwell.