You will find that charity
Is a heavy burden to carry
Heavier than a bowl of soup
And the full basket.


But you will keep your gentleness
And your smile.


It is not enough to give soup
And bread
This the rich can do.


You are the servant of the poor,
Always smiling
And always good humoured.
They are your masters,
(Terribly sensitive) and exacting
masters
You will soon see.


The uglier and dirtier they will be,
The more unjust and insulting,
The more love you must give them.


It is only for your love alone
That the poor will forgive you
The bread you give to them.







by St. Vincent de Paul