A Harsh Word, Harshly Said

This little poem really resonates with me lately. I have been on the receiving end of harsh words from people that I held dear. I also know I have been unwise and hurtful in my own words at different times with various others. There really is no "undo" button for the words we speak and I think this little poem packs a punch rooted in Biblical wisdom. We would all do well to take it to heart.

One day a harsh word, harshly said,

Upon an evil journey sped.

And like a sharp and cruel dart,

It pierced a fond and loving heart.

It turned a friend into a foe,

And everywhere brought pain and woe.

A kind word followed it one day,

Sped swiftly on its blessed way.

It healed the wound and soothed the pain,

And friends of old were friends again.

It made the hate and anger cease,

And everywhere brought joy and peace.

And yet the harsh word left a trace,

The kind word could not efface.

And though the heart its love regained,

It left a scar that long remained.

Friends can forgive but not forget,

Nor lose the sense of keen regret.

Oh, if we would but learn to know,

How swift and sure our words can go.

How we would weigh with utmost care,

Each thought before it reached the air.

And only speak the words that move,

Like white-winged messengers of love.

Selected (no author noted) from How To Be An Up Person In A Down World by Honor Books Inc, 1998, p. 129