"needful attributes"

[goldenrod]

Sharp eyes may well be given,
but oft turn out to be
the poorest of all instruments
an anguished soul to see!

Ears to the merest whisper
may well be trained to hark,
but fail to discern a single word
used to break a trusting heart!

A voice might be melodious,
thrilling, warm and deep,
but what if no words of wisdom
does it ever learn to speak?

A needful attribute is useless,
of less than no account,
if, as conduit for life's enhancement,
it is not a golden fount!

goldenrod.