Silence

Hateful rhetoric incites hateful actions;

Some don't like to admit it, but it's true.

Wintry blasts provide few satisfactions

And turn unprotected fingers blue.

Averting one's glance suggests a transient solution.

Keeping oneself aloof can cause dismay.

Failure to address an issue such as pollution

Will not make the problem go away.

Insinuations challenge understanding--

Leaving reputations scarred or bruised.

Honesty is blameless but demanding,

Though tactfulness can often be excused.

Sincerity soothes our expectations

And overwhelms verbal attacks or girds.

Silence has double applications

And often speaks much louder than our words.

(12-1-15) By Bob B