If your words demean,
    divide,
        dismiss,
            deride,
toss them in the trash.

If your words belittle,
    besmirch,
        reject,
            refuse,
tape shut your mouth.

If your words invite,
    include,
        incubate,
            inspire,
delight in their warmth.

If your words hold,
    help,
        honor,
            heal,
remain humble and give thanks.

Better still–
    speak not at all–
        only listen,
            sitting in love with God.

Text and image © 2023 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved.
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