Kind Words

Walking back through the church yard this morning,I happened to notice this grave stone by the entrance.
I have seen it many times before, and read all about this much loved lady, who lived all those years ago.

Harriet Garside was born into a poor family in 1830, and was poor all her life.
She was a mill girl, and never went to school, but educated herself, becoming not only a fluent writer, but also a poetess.
Her poems were published in the local paper, Church Magazine, and sometimes as a small book, Being sold to help church funds.
She was a Sunday School teacher, and never married.
The children of the church were her sons and daughters.

This is part of one of her poems, entitled:

Kind Words.

Kind words can never die 'tis true,
They fall and soften as the dew ;
They cheer, revive, and beautify, --
Kind words are things that never die.


Kind words are cheap ----yet very dear,-----
They smite the rock, and draw a tear,
Which bursts into a mighty flood,
And does mankind a power of good.


Kind words are sweet on every tongue,
And pleasant from both old and young;
Like sweet perfume they fill the air, 
And scatter blessings everywhere.


Kind words the spirit will revive,
And keep the spark of life alive,------
Fed by the flame of love divine,
 As lights in this dark world they shine.


Kind words are leaves upon that tree
Which brings forth fruit of sympathy;
They cheer the young, support the old ----
Of greater value far than gold.


Kind words, Oh! let the echo fly,---
Kind words can never, never die.
Kind words are pure and well refind,
Though few your words, let them be kind.


Harriet Garside 1830 - 1897