Poems (Angier)/Half a Loaf is better than no Bread
"HALF A LOAF IS BETTER THAN NO BREAD."
Give what you can, Be it little or much;A word, look, or smile Or the friendly hand's touch,And never forget That the proverb hath said,"A half of a loaf Is worth more than no bread."
There are some who have only A piece to bestow;Their means are but small, Though the heart may o'erflow;But such will increase Both their oil and their meal,If others' wants cause them To act and to feel.
A famine was raging, The prophet appliedFor food, to the widow, Nor was he denied; And how was her soul Of its sorrow beguiled;When for bread, she was paid In the life of her child!
Be it ever so humble, The gift you bestow,To the heart of the giver A blessing must flow;So long as 'tis true What the proverb hath said—"A half of a loaf Is worth more than no bread."