Things You Leave Undone by Margaret E. Sangster

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 28, 1910

Things You Leave Undone

By Margaret E. Sangster

It isn't the thing you do, dear, It's the thing you leave undone, That gives you the bit of heartache At the setting of the sun.

The tender word forgotten, The letter you did not write, The flower you might have sent, dear, Are your haunting ghosts to-night.

The stone you might have lifted Out of a brother's way; The bit of heartsome counsel You were hurried too much to say; The loving touch of the hand, dear, The gentle and winsome tone, That you had no time nor thought for, With troubles enough of your own.

For life is all too short, dear, And sorrow is all too great, To suffer our slow compassion, That tarries until too late; And it's not the thing you do, dear, It's the thing you leave undone, That gives you the bit of heartache At the setting of the sun.

— Margaret E. Sangster.