Drop a pebble in the water,
just a splash and it is gone.
But there's half a hundred ripples
circling on and on and on.
They are spreading, spreading, spreading,
and the ripples rise and fall.
While the music of their swelling
brings a thought for one and all.
As you watch the waves of water
as they widen round and round.
Think how simple were their starting,
just a pebble from the ground.
Drop an unkind word in carelessness,
in a second it is gone.
But there's half a hundred ripples
circling on and on and on.
They are spreading,
ever spreading from the center as they go.
And there's not a way to stop them
once you've started them to flow.
And perhaps in some sad heart,
a mighty wave of tears you've stirred.
And disturbed a life once happy
when you dropped that unkind word.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness,
in a moment it is gone.
But there's half a hundred ripples
circling on and on and on.
Bearing sons of hope and gladness
on each buoyant joyous wave
'till you'd not believe the volume
from the little thought you gave.
And you've rolled a wave of comfort,
whose sweet music may be heard.
Circling miles and miles around you,
just by dropping that kind word!
~James William Foley
