Lin Lane Poet Rhyme

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Karen Jones' Power in the Tongue Contest ~ 11/23/2024

Bite Your Tongue

Chaucer wrote, "... thy tongue shouldst thou restrain."
There is truth in his words for a vile one can cause pain.
A sword unsheathed from its scabbard can pierce a heart.
In like manner, a wicked tongue can tear a friendship apart.

No matter how the teeth bite the tongue before it speaks,
if allowed to talk freely, emotional havoc it often wreaks.
Each word can be a bullet shot from a combative tongue,
delivering a verbal assault when ugly words from it is flung.

Be mindful of the sharp weapon your tongue can wield  
because it's capable of wounding those without a shield.
Foul words can't be returned once they've been spewed.
Control its abusive actions by having a change of attitude.

Don't allow it to run wild then say, "It was my tongue's fault."
Control the cruel beast, to say least, and rein it in to a halt.
Scripture says the tongue has the power of life and death,
so do not allow it to define you. Stop and take a deep breath.

Words burn whether whispered, hissed or shouted in scorn,
weighing heavily in the air, leaving the innocent feeling torn.
A tongue can crush both spirit and soul and tell a twisted tale.
Keep it leashed inside your mouth and pleasantries will prevail.

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Kenisha Shines December 19, 2024 at 11:29 PM Congratulations!very well penned and I enjoyed reading it.Have a great day!

Susmita Mukherjee December 16, 2024 at 6:02 AM Such wise words, Lin! Awesome read! Loved the rhyme and imagery. Congratulations on topping the list.:)

Ann Peck November 26, 2024 at 11:50 AM Such wise words, Lin, if we would but heed them! A beautifully worded poem. Congrats on your win! Lin Lane November 26, 2024 at 1:21 PM Thank you very much, Ann.

Christuraj Alex November 25, 2024 at 6:07 PM "Be mindful of the sharp weapon your tongue can wield because it's capable of wounding those without a shield", "Words burn whether whispered, hissed or shouted in scorn" - Very powerful writing. Congratulations! Lin Lane November 26, 2024 at 5:19 AM Thanks a lot, Chris.

Karen Jones November 25, 2024 at 5:25 PM Lin your entry was wise and full of wonderful imagery and the rhyme was a bonus! I loved that you referred to scripture too! Congratulations on your top first place win! Thanks for entering my contest! Lin Lane November 26, 2024 at 5:19 AM Hi, Karen and thank you for finding my poem enough to your liking that it made your winning list. I enjoyed writing for your contest theme.

Joe Maverick November 24, 2024 at 9:05 AM Don't we know it Lin.' I think I reflect thoughts of Most people in stating such? You have touched On one of my memorable porverbs here.' Kudos, And blessings from my tounge today.) Lin Lane November 24, 2024 at 9:21 AM Thank you very much for your comment, Joe. I can tell it's sincere ;-)

John Lawless November 23, 2024 at 10:00 AM we have the right to be right and the right to be wrong and the right to keep our mouths shut in both instances.... Lin Lane November 23, 2024 at 10:14 AM Yes, we do, John. It's a matter of do we want to rein in our tongue or let it be a horse's ass?

Tom Cunningham November 23, 2024 at 9:10 AM A verse of wisdom Lin, once unleashed it's out there and can't be recalled, I agree, it should be kept on a short leash at all times. Good luck in the contest. Tom Tom Cunningham November 23, 2024 at 2:22 PM Snow gone now but plenty of rain. Lin Lane November 23, 2024 at 9:15 AM Afternoon to you, Tom. The tongue injures with the bark of a dog and the bite of a snake... both need to be restrained. Thanks very much. I wish you were getting my beautiful weather... 60s on sunny days and 50s at night.