Can You Judge?

Someone gave this piece some time ago. I thought that I would share it here.


CAN YOU HONESTLY JUDGE?

Pray don't find fault with the man who
   limps or stumbles along the road.
   Unless you have worn the shoes he wears
     or struggled beneath his load.
There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt,
        though hidden from view;
  Or the burden he bears placed on your back
   might cause you to stumble too.
Don't sneer at the man who's down today.
   unless you have felt the blow
   That caused his fall, or felt the shame that
    only the fallen know.
You may be strong now, but still the blows that
   were his, if dealt to you
    In the self-same way at the very same time
    might cause you to stagger too.
Don't be too harsh with the man who sins
    or pelt him with words or stones,
  Unless you are sure, yes, doubly sure, that
   You have no sins of your own.


                                                           Anonymous Philosopher