If we only knew that the smiles we see Often hide the tears that would fain be free,

Would we not more tender and loving be, If we only knew?

If we only knew that the words we say

Oft may drive the peace from some heart away, Would we speak those words in the selfsame way,

If we only knew? If we only knew that some weary heart

Has been burdened more by our thoughtless art, Would we cause the tears from those eyes to start, If we only knew?

If we only knew, as we onward go,

Many things that here we can never know, For more patient love we would often show, If we only knew.

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 19, p. 23
October 3, 1996