I Saw A Pain
by Barbara Philbrook

I saw a pain I knew and at once recognized,
although she smiles it's deep within her eyes.

Pain that is so often caused by another,
one meant to love you as a sister or brother.

Gossip or tale bearing is a terrible sin,
and the pain it causes is devastating once it does begin.

Pssst, have you been warned or have you heard?
Come here a moment I must share this little word.

Don't tell anyone else but I heard this,
as you repeat what was told although you know it is amiss.

How about those who solemnly say ,
I repeated it but didn't mean to hurt you in any way.

Or maybe "I wouldn't want to cause hard feelings but",
have you gotten yourself in the gossiping rut.?

Has anyone ever told an untruth about you in the past,
and did you ever feel that the slate was wiped clean at last.

Or did you grow weary and hesitate to make a friend,
for fear something would come up and your friendship would end?

Once said, words can never be erased,
never ever can the pain they caused be replaced.

God would have us treat each other with love,
let's seek guidance from our Father above.

Let's vow to give God control of the words we utter,
sparing the feelings of each dear sister and brother.

Pain by words need not be a common thing,
instead our words can an innerpeace bring.

Then filled with grateful joy one day,
we'll all smile brightly as we are able to say.

I saw a pain and knew it was something from the past,
because we'd all rejected sinful gossip at last.

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