BE KIND ----A POEM

 

          BE KIND ----A POEM

            Given below is the full text of the poem “BE KIND”.  However before you read it, you should  become familiar with various connotations of the word ‘Kind’.

            A simple definition of the word given by dictionaries is: caring about others.

            Some popular synonyms  of the word which are often used are : gentle, friendly, generous, charitable, benevolent, humane, tender-hearted, sympathetic, compassionate, friendly, courteous, gracious, and merciful.

                                    BE  KIND

Be kind to thy father : for when thou wast young.

Who loved thee as fondly as he?

He caught the first accent that fell from thy tongue.

And joined in their innocent glee.

Be kind to thy father ; for now he is old,

His locks intermingled with gray :

His footsteps are feeble, once fearless and bold.

Thy father is passing away.

 

Be kind to thy mother : for, lo! on her brow

May traces of  sorrow be seen ;

Oh, well may’st thou cherish and comfort her now,

For loving and kind hath she been.

Remember thy mother : for thee will she pray,

As long as God giveth her breath;

With accents of kindness, then, cheer her lone way

E’en to the dark valley of death.

 

Be kind to thy brother : his heart will have dearth

If the smile of thy love be withdrawn;

The flowers of feeling will fade at their birth,

If the dew of affection be gone.

 

B kind to thy brother : wherever you are,

Thy love of a brother shall be

An ornament purer and richer by far

Than pearls from the depths of the sea.

 

Be kind to thy sister : not many may know

The depth of true sisterly love ;

The wealth of the ocean lies fathoms below

The surface that sparkles above.

Thy kindness shall bring to thee many sweet hours,

And blessings thy pathway to crown;

Affection shall weave thee a garland of flowers,

More precious than wealth or renown.

                                                *******

G.R.Kanwal

17 June 2025