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1850–1919

EFFECT

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

An unkind tale was whispered in his ear. He paused to hear. His thoughts were food that helped a falsehood thrive, And keep alive.

Years dawned and died. One day by venom's tongue His name was stung. He cried aloud, nor dreamed the lie was spawn Of thoughts long gone.

Each mental wave we send out from the mind, Or base, or kind, Completes its circuit, then with added force Seeks its own source.

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EFFECT · Ella Wheeler Wilcox · Poetry Cove