THE HELPING HAND. 



If I should see 

 A brother languifehing in sore distress 

 And I should turn and leave him comfortless, 



When I might be 

 A messenger of hope and happiness — 

 How could I ask what I denied 

 In my own hour of bitterness supplied? 



If I might sing 

 A little song to cheer a fainting heart 

 And I should seal my lips and sit apart 



When I might bring 

 A bit of sunshine for life's ache and smart- 

 How could I hope to have my grief relieved 

 If I kept silent when my brother grieved? 



And so I know 

 That day is lost wherein I fail to lend 

 A helping hand unto some wayward friend; 



But if it show 

 A burden lightened by the cheer I sent, 

 Then do I hold the golden hours well spent. 

 And lav ine down to rest in sweetcontent. 



- Edith V. Brandt. 



