******************** POEM *********************

DON'T JUDGE TOO HARD

Pray don't find fault with the man who limps

Or stumbles along the road

Unless you have worn the shoes he wears

Or struggled beneath his load

There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt

Though hidden away from view

Or the burdens he bears placed on your back

Might cause you to stumble too

Don't sneer at the man who's down today

Unless you have felt the blow

That caused his fall, or felt the shame

That only the fallen know

You may be strong, but the blows

That were his, if dealt to you

In the self-same way at the self'same time

Might cause you to stagger too

Don't be too harsh with the man who sins

Or pelt him with words or stones

Unless you are sure, yes, doubly sure

That you have none of your own

For you know, perhaps, if the tempter's voice

Should whisper as soft to you

As he did to him when he went astray

Would cause you to falter too.

Unknown Author.