My contribution to the world
Is every word I say
Not in shout or argument
Nor in verbal style affray
Our words are powerful in our mouths
We tend to think they’re not
But say the wrong thing and you will see
How quickly starts the rot
The word of understanding
Brings contentment to the ear
The word of explanation
Removes all cause for fear
The word of good encouragement
Will warm the human heart
The word of humour brings a laugh
A joy in taking part
The truthful word without offence
Removes a fog of lies
The kindly word is evidence
Of a heart that does not despise
In a world were words are wasted
Upon the desert air
Good words restore the atmosphere
Of genuine love and care
Hard words too must sometimes be
The speech that we employ
But not so as to hurt someone
Nor ever to destroy
Debate the issues fair and square
And help each other see
The truth that lies before us now
And calls to you and me
To every man who came to him
The Lord would surely rise
And only refused to speak to those
Who simply dealt in lies
The power for good in every one
Lies in the human heart
And from that core our words pour out
To heal or hurt or start
In bringing joy to those around
We bring a new creation
Fulfilling too our personal need
For love and recreation
Brian Fahy
9 July 2017
Erris Poetry 