Deeds of Kindness

Suppose the little Cowslip

Should hang its golden cup

And say, "I'm such a tiny flower

I'd better not grow up!"

How many a weary traveler

Would miss its fragrant smell,

How many a little child would grieve

To lose 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 Breezes,

Upon a summer's day,

Should think themselves too small to cool

The traveler on his way;

Who would not miss the smallest

And softest ones that blow,

And think they made a great mistake

If they were acting so?

How many deeds of kindness

A little child can do,

Altliough it has but little strength

And little wisdom too!

It wants a loving spirit

Much more than strength, to prove

How many things a child may do

For others by its love.

Epes Sargent