Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THREE GATES [OF GOLD], by ELIZABETH DAYTON


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THREE GATES [OF GOLD], by                    
First Line: If you are tempted to reveal
Last Line: What the result of speech may be.
Alternate Author Name(s): Day, Beth
Subject(s): Truth


IF YOU ARE TEMPTED to reveal
A tale to you someone has told
About another, make it pass,
Before you speak, three gates of gold.
These narrow gates: First, "Is it true?"
Then, "Is it needful?" In your mind
Give truthful answer. And the next
Is last and narrowest, "Is it kind?"
And if to reach your lips at last
It passes through these gateways three,
Then you may tell the tale, nor fear
What the result of speech may be.





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