If we could only feel the heartache

That a thoughtless word can bring;

If we alone felt the sharpness,

And no one else could feel the sting.

If we could never hurt another

By the thoughtless things we say;

For our every thought and action,

We alone would have to pay.

I am sure we'd be more careful

Of our words and deeds each day,

And there would be less heartache

From the things we do and say.