SILVER BOXES

My words were harsh & hasty 
And they came without a thought. 
Then I saw the pain & anguish 
That my bitter words had brought. 

Bitter words that I had spoken 
Made me think back through the past; 
Of how many times I'd uttered 
Biting words whose pain would last. 

Then I wondered of the people 
I had hurt by things I'd said; 
All the ones I had discouraged 
When I didn't use my head. 

Then I thought about my own life 
Of painful words I've heard; 
And of the times I'd been discouraged 
By a sharp and cruel word. 

And now clearly I remember 
All the things I might have done; 
But, by a word I was discouraged 
And they never were begun. 

So, help my words be silver boxes, 
Neatly wrapped up with a bow; 
That I give to all so freely, 
As through each day I gladly go. 

Silver boxes full of treasure, 
Precious gifts from above; 
That all the people I encounter 
.
-- Florence Littauer