Drop a Pebble in the Water

If you have read the previous post, 

you will understand how this poem speaks to me.

Drop a pebble in the water:

Just a splash, and it is gone; 

But there's half-a-hundred ripples

Circling on and on and on, 

Spreading, spreading from the center,

Flowing on out to the sea. 

And there is no way of telling 

Where the end is going to be.

Drop a pebble in the water:

In a minute you forget, 

But there's little waves a-flowing,

And there's ripples circling yet, 

And those little waves a-flowing 

To a great big wave have grown; 

You've disturbed a mighty river

Just by dropping in a stone.

Drop an unkind word, or careless:

In a minute it is gone;  

But there's half-a-hundred ripples  

Circling on and on and on.      

They keep spreading, spreading, spreading

From the center as they  go,          

And there is no way to stop them,   

Once you've started them to flow.  

            

Drop an unkind word, or careless:

In a minute you forget; 

But there's little waves a-flowing, 

And there's ripples circling yet, 

And perhaps in some sad heart

A mighty wave of tears you've stirred, 

And disturbed a life was happy 

Ere you dropped that unkind word.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness: 

Just a flash and it is gone; 

But there's half-a-hundred ripples

Circling on and on and on, 

Bearing hope and joy and comfort

On each splashing, dashing wave 

Till you wouldn't believe the volume 

Of the one kind word you gave.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness: 

In a minute you forget;  

But there's gladness still a-swelling, 

And there's joy a-circling yet,      

And you've rolled a wave of comfort 

Whose sweet music can be heard          

Over miles and miles of water 

Just by dropping one kind word.  

-James W. Foley