Losing a Word

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · May 12, 1904

I LOST a very little word Only the other day; A very naughty little word I had not meant to say. If only it were really lost, I would not mind a bit; I think I would deserve a prize For really losing it.

But then it wasn't really lost When from my lips it flew; My little brother picked it up, And now he says it, too. Mama said that the worst would be I could not get it back; But worst of all, it seems to me, I'm always on its track.

Mama is sad; papa looks grieved; Johnny has said it twice; Of course it is no use for me To tell him it's not nice. When you lose other things, they're lost; But lose a naughty word, And for every time 'twas heard before Now twenty times 'tis heard.

If 'twere only really lost, O, then I would be glad I let it fall so carelessly The day that I got mad! Lose other things, you never seem To come upon their track; But if you lose a naughty word, It's always coming back.

— Selected.