The Tongue Poem by Tony Avila Sampson

To slip on the pavement is a far better pain,
Than the tongue that slips, its trouble to gain;

A sweltering tongue comes full of much scorn,
The razor sharp words of a maleficent thorn;

Just little be said can bring anger so large,
From an aspersing tongue whose trouble will charge;

Malicious invectiveness rolls from the tongue,
In a simple breath, revilement is sprung;

Pesky tongues need not be long-winded,
While bringing such hurt upon those made offended,

Misuse of the tongue, its craftiness deceive,
Lurks in the breath made upon ears that receive;

The talebearer's whisper heard loud as a horn,
Deliberate misstatement, shameless laughter is born;