WHEN

WHEN speaking to another,
Guard against a thoughtless word;
Spoken, it can't be retracted,
In the air it's like a bird.

WHEN your daughter's bought some satins
In the colors you abhor,
Try to say you like the patterns.
(It could be that she knows more.)

WHEN she shows a finished garment
Into which she's put her heart,
Don't display your disapproval
Tearing everything apart.

WHEN you hear some tittle tattle,
Someone saying what they've heard,
Don't believe their idle prattle,
Likely it has been mis-heard.

WHEN inclined to criticize,
Think before you speak;
See things through another's eyes.
Maybe yours are weak.

WHEN you overhear some gossip,
Don't believe a single word.
Change the subject, make an exit,
Forget completely all you heard.

See both sides of every story;
Weigh your words. Don't try to judge.
Merit is achieved by silence.
Never, ever, bear a grudge.

WHEN you see the unexpected,
Think not you have found them out.
There could be an explanation.
GIVE the BENEFIT of the DOUBT.