I saw this poem and thought of fellow coaches, teachers and leaders. We have influence both negative and positive. Choose the latter!

Speak Gently

Speak gently! — It is better far
to rule by love, than fear —
Speak gently — let not harsh words mar
the good we might do here!

Speak gently! — Love doth whisper low
the vows that true hearts bind;
And gently friendship's accents flow;
Affection's voice is kind.

Speak gently to the little child!
Its love be sure to gain;
Teach it in accents soft and mild: —
It may not long remain.

Speak gently to the young, for they
will have enough to bear —
Pass through this life as best they may,
'T is full of anxious care!

Speak gently to the aged one,
grieve not the care-worn heart;
The sands of life are nearly run,
let such in peace depart!

Speak gently, kindly, to the poor;
let no harsh tone be heard;
They have enough they must endure,
without an unkind word!

Speak gently to the erring — know,
they may have toiled in vain;
Perchance unkindness made them so;
Oh, win them back again!

Speak gently! — He who gave his life
to bend man's stubborn will,
when elements were in fierce strife,
said to them, "Peace, be still."

Speak gently! — 'tis a little thing
dropped in the heart's deep well;
The good, the joy, which it may bring,
eternity shall tell.
Bates, D.