TACT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 57, 2 December 1946, Page 8

TACT

Tact is a gift that may be used, For better or for worse; ‘Tactful persons often smile, Wh,en they’re inclined to curse; And when they’re sorely tempted, To get in with the boot, They murmur softly, “Please sit down,” And calmly follow suit. Many grave tragedies occur, Through an impulsive word or act, That imight have been averted By conciliative tact. To call a man a liar, Is a serious accusation, But to say.“ Are you quite correct?” May often save the situation. Pat tactlessly said unto Mick: ' 1 “You’re a liar through and through, I wouldn’t believe a word you said Even if I knew ’twas true.” Which naturally displaced the chip, On Michael’s manly shoulder,. And caused a ding-dong donny-

brook, For no men could ,be bolder— More handy with their left and right, More ready for a stand up fight. But soon the deadly strife was o’er, Neither combatant wanting more, Said Pat to Mick: “Why did we

fight?” Said Mick “Because it’s our delight. To show there’s no ill-feeling, You’ve shut one eye, but I can see You’ve only one to look at me; My nose is bleeding, so ,is yours, Which brings us both to even scores, So let’s shake- Pat and go and wet it, And then we sure will both forget it.” H. SERGANT.