Poems (Coolidge)/The Soft Answer

by Helen Elizabeth Coolidge

THE SOFT ANSWER

Oh, say it o'er and o'er, with gentle cadence, too,
The answer that hath magic, wrong feeling to undo;
And say it ever bravely, no matter what the cost;
Pour oil upon those waters, that else were tempest tossed.

Oh, say it o'er and o'er, and think of Christ the while;
Though burning tears would blind thee, yet wear a sunny smile,
Though hidden 'neath thy courage, there throbs a sinking heart,
For His dear sake be steadfast, in strength He doth impart.

Oh, say it o'er and o'er, then Wrath will turn away,
And Peace upon thy spirit her tender touch shall lay;
Oh, say it o'er and o'er, till Love supreme shall reign,
For Him the meek and lowly, who answered not again.