Words
by Charles Swain
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In this reflective poem, Charles Swain argues that mere words cannot truly satisfy the heart. Words, like summer birds, depart and leave but empty air; when the heart needs them they prove as worthless as weeds. A little said, but truly said, brings deeper joy than hosts of words that reach the head but never touch the heart. The voice that truly cheers a lonely home often has the fewest words to say, yet how dear those few are. Empty words that are only summoned to the test satisfy the least, like gaudy plants that blossom but bear no fruit. The poem stresses that sincere, heartfelt words matter more than many hollow ones.
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Words that leave empty air
The poet says that if words could satisfy the heart, the heart might find less care; but words, like summer birds, depart and leave but empty air. The heart, a pilgrim upon earth, often finds when it needs them that words are of as little worth as just so many weeds.
A little truly said
A little said, and truly said, can impart deeper joy than hosts of words that reach the head but never touch the heart. The voice that wins its sunny way to cheer a lonely home often has the fewest words to say, yet, oh, how dear those few words are.
Show without substance
If words could satisfy the chest, the world might hold a feast; but words, when summoned to the test, oft satisfy the least. They are like plants that make a gaudy show, all blossom to the root, but whose poor nature cannot grow one particle of fruit.