ONLY A WORD.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VI, Issue 25, 21 June 1890, Page 19

ONLY A WORD.

Only a word his lips let fall, A careless word in wanton play,— He did not think of it at all, And idly went upon his way. But in a heart with sorrow sore, The cruel gibe produced its smart, And what he never thought of more Convulsed a crushed and bleeding heart. Only a word another spoke,— A'simple word lit by a smile, — And mental clouds their darkness broke Which shadowed all the sky erewhile. A life which hope had seemed to leave Grew stronger from its generous might,— A heart bowed down with utter grief Felt the rare radiance of its light. The future rose serene and fair, And sorrow lost its bitter sting ; A single word, though light as air, May seem a very little thing ; But hope, joy, sorrow and despair By it in human hearts are stirred ; There is no thing more foul or fair Than one slight utterance of a word.

Joel Benton.