Deeds Of Kindness

Suppose the little cowslipShould hang its tiny cup,And say, “I’m such a little flower,I’d better not grow up.”How many a weary travelerWould miss the fragrant smell?[Pg 013]How many a little child would grieveTo miss it from the dell!Suppose the glistening dew-drop,Upon the grass, should say,“What can a little dew-drop do?I’d better roll away.”The blade on which it rested,Before the day was done,Without a drop to moisten it,Would wither in the sun.Suppose the little breezesUpon a summer’s day,Should think themselves too small to coolThe traveler on his way:Who would not miss the smallestAnd softest ones that blow,And think they made a great mistakeIf they were talking so?How many deeds of kindnessA little child may do,Although it has so little strength,And little wisdom, too.It wants a loving spirit,Much more than strength, to prove,How many things a child may doFor others by his love.[Pg 014]

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Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace