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You Can Never Tell
A thoughtful poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox about the lasting influence of our words, actions, and thoughts.
Have you ever said something and later wondered how your words affected another person? Sometimes a few kind words can encourage someone more than we realize. But careless words can also cause hurt that stays with a person long after the conversation has ended.
In You Can Never Tell, Ella Wheeler Wilcox reminds us that what we say, what we do, and even what we choose to think can make a difference. We may never see the full results of a kind deed, but that does not mean it has gone unnoticed. May this poem encourage us to choose our words carefully and look for ways to bring more kindness into each day.
Updated October 14, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
You Can Never Tell
Poet: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
You can never tell when you send a word
Like an arrow shot from a bow
By an archer blind, be it cruel or kind,
Just where it will chance to go.
It may pierce the breast of your dearest friend,
Tipped with its poison or balm;
To a stranger’s heart in life’s great mart
It may carry its pain or its calm.
You never can tell when you do an act
Just what the result will be,
But with every deed you are sowing a seed,
Though its harvest you may not see.
Each kindly act is an acorn dropped
In God’s productive soil;
Though you may not know, yet the tree shall grow
And shelter the brows that toil.
You never can tell what your thoughts will do
In bringing you hate or love,
For thoughts are things, and their airy wings
Are swifter than carrier doves.
They follow the law of the universe—
Each thing must create its kind,
And they speed o’er the track to bring you back
Whatever went out from your mind.
Key Reflections In This Poem
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Our words can leave a lasting impression.
We may not know how deeply our words affect another person. Choosing words of kindness and encouragement can make a difference long after we have spoken them.
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Kind actions can grow into something greater.
A small act of kindness may seem unimportant at the time. Like the acorn in the poem, it can grow and offer comfort to someone we may never meet.
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Our thoughts influence our outlook.
The thoughts we dwell on can shape the way we see others and respond to situations. When we focus on love and understanding, we are more likely to show those qualities in our actions.
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We do not always see the good we do.
Not every kind word or helpful deed brings an immediate response. The poem reminds us to keep doing good even when we cannot see the results.
Popular Pages
If you enjoyed this poem, you may also like these pages about kindness, encouragement, and the difference our choices can make.
Enjoy timeless verses with meaningful messages in our collection of Famous Poems.
Find thoughtful reminders to treat others with care in these Kindness Quotes.
Discover how even a small gesture can brighten someone's day in our Kindness Poem collection.
Look for encouragement and a brighter perspective in these Positive Poems.
Share a little hope with someone who needs it through our Poems Of Encouragement.
Remember the difference a few words can make with these Inspirational Words.
Find practical thoughts to carry into everyday life in our Words To Live By.
Conclusion
Ella Wheeler Wilcox reminds us that we may never fully know the effect of a word spoken or a kindness shown. Something that seems small to us could mean a great deal to someone else. That is why it matters to think before we speak and to choose actions that help rather than hurt.
As you go through your day, remember that every encouraging word and thoughtful deed is worth sharing. You may not see the results, but you could be making someone's day a little brighter.
More Ella Wheeler Wilcox Poems to Inspire