My neighbor met me at the fence, and we
Talked long of this and that as neighbors do.
Declaring what we said was really true,
We laughed and wondered how such things could be.
We spoke of mortals, and it came to me
We voiced the false and false conclusions drew.
If man, God's likeness, all of man I knew,
I would have seen in truth the man to see.
So, neighbor that I mentioned, please forgive;
And neighbor whom I spoke with, rule your tongue.
God guard my speech: from me may not be wrung
Uncharitable word while yet I live.
Compassion for my neighbor be the rein
To guide me to the love I would attain.
Poems
My Neighbor
From the May 1949 issue of The Christian Science Journal
Explore Concord—see where it takes you.
Search the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures