Classic Poem

A WORD , a look, a deed,
Each light as breathed air,
May bring a sudden fate,
And mystically breed
The black flower of despair,
Where rose called rose his mate.

Where erst shone peace, the sun,
And speech welled from the heart,
A reckless smile or sigh
Is but well past or done,
And viewless walls dispart
Two lives that wail and die.

For souls are lightly set
Upon the spiritual sky,
As stars that speed and flame;
And if a shock or let
Falls on the fair star night,
His fellow feels the shame.

Heed well the poet's song;
In gardens of the soul
Breathe delicatest blooms;
Beware to do them wrong,
Lest thou fulfil the whole
Air of thy life with glooms.