S. E. Kiser expresses in the verse below the thought that our kind
words and deeds are helpful to ourselves, no matter how small their
objective effect:
You may not profit by my word of cheer,
The cares you have may weigh upon you still;
My word of kindness may not dry your tear,
Nor smooth your path upon the storm-swept hill.
The word of hope I speak may not impart
To you the courage that I wish it might;
But, speaking it, I win new strength of heart
And make the burden I am bearing light.
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