If I Had Known

If I had known how heavy was the heart,

And that a word from me could life the load,

I would have spoken comfort to that soul

Who stumbled down life’s road.

Instead, I passed him, deep in my own thoughts,

Nor noticed that his head was bowed with care

And that beneath the coldness of his eyes

Lay helpless, grim despair.

His heart was thirsty, and I gave no drink,

His soul was naked, and I clothed it not;

And shall this cover in the judgment day:

“Forgive me - I forgot”?

When I returned, I saw him lying there

Too weak to listen, too far gone to care,

And with remorse, I heard my Saviour say,

“I am the One you failed to serve today.”

By Barbara C. Ryberg