We can't afford to win the gain
That means another's loss;
We can't afford to miss the crown
By stumbling at the cross;
We can't afford the heedless jest
That robs us of a friend;
We can't afford the laugh that finds
In bitter tears an end.
We can't afford the feast to-day
That brings to-morrow's fast;
We can't afford the farce that comes
To tragedy at last. We can't afford to play with fire,
Or tempt a serpent's bite;
We can't afford to think that sin
Brings any true delight;
We can't afford with serious heed
To treat the cynic's sneer;
We can't afford to wise men's words
To turn a careless ear;
We can't afford for hate to give
Like hatred in return;
We can't afford to feed a flame
And make it fiercer burn;
We can't afford to lose the soul
For this world's fleeting breath;
We can't afford to barter life
In mad exchange for death.
But blind to good are we apart
From Thee, all-seeing Lord.
O, grant us light, that we may know
The things we can't afford.
— Selected.