author unknown

Its not so much what you say
as the manner in which you say it
It’s 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 he looked and smiled and strait 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 or care,
gentleness kindness love and hate
envy anger are there.
Then, would you quarrels avoid
and peace and love rejoice
keep anger not only out of your words
Keep them out of your voice.