Tempered Tongue

There are words that I’m slow to say, Bound inside and kept away, so My tempered tongue I won’t betray. Without much thought an ass will bray; Many with their jawbone slay, so There are words that I’m slow to say. Fire forged barbs will make you pay; Injured mettle I must weigh, so My tempered tongue I won’t betray. Unbridled thoughts expressed all day; Biting cuts will spark a fray, so There are words that I’m slow to say. Floods of emotion rush my way; Damming walls deflect the spray, so My tempered tongue I won’t betray. Feelings expressed in shades of gray Shield and keep this heart of clay, so There are words that I’m slow to say; My tempered tongue I won’t betray.