It is not so much what you say
As the manner in which you say it;
It is not so much the language you use
As the tone in which you convey it.
"Come here" I sharply said,
And the child cowered and wept.
"Come here" I said softly... He looked
And smiled and straight to my lap he crept.
Words may be mild and fair
But the tone may pierce like a dart.
Words may be soft as the summer air
But the tone may break my heart.
For words come from the mind,
Grow by study and art.
But tone leaps from the inner self,
Revealing the state of the heart.
Whether you know it or not,
Whether you mean it or care,
Gentleness, kindness, love and hate,
Envy and anger are there.
Then, would you quarrels avoid?
And peace and love rejoice?
Keep anger not only out of your words,
Keep it out of your voice.
