A Sermon In Rhyme

If you have a friend worth loving,
Love him. Yes, and let him know
That you love him ere life’s evening
Tinge his brow with sunset glow;
Why should good words ne’er be said
Of a friend—till he is dead?
If you hear a song that thrills you,
Sung by any child of song,
Praise it. Do not let the singer
Wait deserved praises long;
Why should one that thrills your heart
Lack that joy it may impart?
If you hear a prayer that moves you
By its humble pleading tone,
Join it. Do not let the seeker
Bow before his God alone;
Why should not your brother share
The strength of “two or three” in prayer?
If you see the hot tears falling
From a loving brother’s eyes,
Share them, and by sharing,
Own your kinship with the skies;
Why should anyone be glad,
When his brother’s heart is sad?
If a silver laugh goes rippling
Through the sunshine on his face,
Share it. ‘Tis the wise man’s saying,
For both grief and joy a place;
There’s health and goodness in the mirth
In which an honest laugh has birth.
If your work is made more easy
By a friendly helping hand,
Say so. Speak out brave and truly,
Ere the darkness veil the land.
Should a brother workman dear
Falter for a word of cheer?
Scatter thus your seed of kindness,
All enriching as you go—
Leave them, trust the Harvest-Giver;
He will make each seed to grow.
So, until its happy end,
Your life shall never lack a friend.