Compassion

Compassion stays the heavy hand

And guides the tender touch;

Restrains the austere judge in time

From judging overmuch;

Reminds the wrought-up preacher

In his looking glass reherarsal

That he's a member of the race

And sin is universal;

Bids father put the hickory down

And see in recollection

How his own youthful escapades

Match Junior's odd collection.

Compassion spares the whipping boy,

Withholds the bitter cup,

Lets loose the little doves of peace

And locks the tiger up.

(First published in Along the Lane: Dedicated to the memory of Thomas William Larsen, who lost his life in World War II)