I a mortal soul am:
As mortal as mortality.
I am limited and have nothing;
All I have is words.
My Loved Ones lack
And help from me solicit.
When they do, I nothing offer for,
All I have is words.
The Needy look up to me for help.
All I offer is motivation.
They expect nothing more:
All I have words.
The Downcast know this also,
So they ask for inspiration only.
They wait not for me to tell them that,
“All I have is words.”
If I offer money
Or inexhaustible wealth,
Exhaustion will kill them:
All I have is words.
Words will forever in the heart abide.
They’ll no corruption see.
They'll no decadence suffer.
All I have is words.
Words better than medicine cure
And more than comfort give
And lasting stoics create:
All I shall give is words.
I nothing for my better half have.
I do not offer riches when pains are worst.
I know all that he needs to laugh:
All I have to make him contented is words.
ISAAC ESSOUN
