Why Didn't You Speak?

Why Didn't You Speak? 

Mattie M. Boteler


When the pain of bitter bereavement

Has filled another with grief, 

You wished that a portion of comfort

Might bring him needed relief,

But never a word did you utter

To lighten the sky that was bleak.

It was well enough that you pitied, 

But, Brother, why didn't you speak?

You have seen the giddy and thoughtless

Ensnared by the things that must blight;

You have feared that the footsteps unwary

Take hold on the portals of night.

You counted the risk he was taking 

Too costly for one that was weak.

You were conscious of all of his danger

But, Brother, why didn't you speak?

You have thought of some friend that has helped you

Along your pathway thus far.

You know that, because of his kindness,

Today you're the man that you are.

The tenderest feelings have stirred you, 

And teardrops have moistened your cheek

As you thought of all that you owed him,

But, Brother, why didn't you speak?

Published in Silver Linings: Poems of Hope and Cheer, 1927