Good Will Towards Men

There was a time when, in my youth,
If I perchance met one uncouth
I would still give an honest smile
And in the hearts of the most vile
I often found a soul misunderstood.

And in response to kindness rare,
For most had not seen love so fair,
An act of kindness was returned,
For in their hearts there often burned
A sense of giving to one what is due.

But as I walked further in life
I found those known for causing strife.
Initially I did not know
The seeds they would in my life sow
And the pleasure they took from my sorrow.

I wish to treat them fairly though
Because perhaps they do not know
The anguish on themselves they bring.
The path from which their pain will spring
Is taken by their feet and by their mind.