THE TONGUE

It is small but packs the power
of wounding or of giving,
words of praise and words of love
that make life worth the living.

Sticks and stones we know break bones
but in the end they heal,
harsh words, lashed out in anger
put a seal on how we feel.

We cease to grow, and to express
our deepest inner cares,
low self-esteem, inadequate
we’re not free to fully share.

Let us daily try to change
let it start right here with me,
to raise up high my fellow man
treat him respectfully.

For they hurt the same as you
when cut, their wounds too bleed,
let us raise our voice and pray for him
see to his every need

Margaret Rose Larrivee
July 25, 1995.