Edgar Guest's "The Cheat"

As I read this poem, there is more than meets the eye. Don't let the title fool you. There is more to this poem than meets the eye. I'm tempted to fill in the details but I think I would be cheating you (no pun intended but I think you may see where this is going). Imagine cheating a friend in a way you least expect and you'll get the moral of the story. This is one message to remember.

Taken from http://sofinesjoyfulmoments.com/quotes/theCheat.htm

"The Cheat"


by Edgar Guest

I cheated a good friend yesterday,
Kept what was his, and went my way,
Wronged him by silence-for in haste
I let a glad thought go to waste.

I had a word of cheer to speak,
To strengthen him when he grew weak,
To send him smiling on his way -
But what I thought I didn't say.

He would have richer been to know

That deed of his had pleased me so,

But oh, I failed to let him see

How much his conquest meant to me.


I cheated him of words of praise
Which would have cheered his troubled days;
In this a faithful friend I wronged,
By keeping what to him belonged.

The praise was his by right to hear,
To him belonged my word of cheer;
In silence, though, from him I turned
And cheated him of what he'd earned.

Edgar Guest's "Influence"

I'm really becoming a fan of Edgar Guest. It seems his poetry has not only a wonderful writing style but a very powerful and/or positive message. His poetry is also pretty profound. This poem is no exception.


This topic is about influence you have on others. If I taught English at the high school or college level, Guest's work would be a part of the reading list. I think you will enjoy this. It may be worth committing to memory (as of yet, I have not).

"Influence"


by Edgar Guest

(as taken from http://sofinesjoyfulmoments.com/quotes/influence.htm)


This I think as I go my way:


What can matter the words I say,


And what can matter the false or true


Of any deed I am moved to do?






This I think as I go along:


What can matter my right or wrong?


Whichever path I may choose to take,


What possible difference can it make?






This I think as I go to town:


What can matter my smile or frown?


Can any one's destiny altered be


For better or worse because of me?






And something whispers;


"Another may be sadly deceived


By the words you say.


And another, believing and trusting you,


May be led astray by the things you do."






"For much that never you'll see or know


Will mark your days as you come and go.


And in countless lives that you'll never learn


The best and the worst of you will return."