MARCH 16

A HANDCLASP—A SMILE—AND A WORD

By David Horton Elton (Chester’s grandfather)

He came in with a “chip on his shoulder,”

He left with a “smile on his face,”

What was it that changed his demeanor?

What was it that really took place?

Would you like to know just what happened?

Would you care to learn what occurred?

It’s simple, easy of access:

“A Handclasp, a Smile and a Word.”

A “Handclasp” that made him feel “welcome,”

Seemed somehow to start things off right,

A “Sit down, and let’s talk it over,”

Vetoed his “spoil” for a light.

A “smile” countermanding contention,

Will anger and discord assuage,

A “Let’s get together and reason,”

Represses resentment and rage.

A “word,” gently tempered with kindness

A patient word, seasoned with tact—

A word, not combative and churlish—

A truthful word—stating the fact.

So the “tonic” to avoid disagreement—

Try it out, I’m sure you’ll concur—

The best of all “medicines,” brother,

“A Handclasp, a Smile and a Word.”

REMEMBER: 

When you treat people with respect and dignity, you get the best from them.