Let.

Let.

let me be an open ear,

slow to speak and quick to hear

each rustle, whisper, stifled cry,

joyous laugh or inward sigh

let me be an open hand,

a hand which in compassion touches,

a gentle hand to tenderly heal

time’s red welts and painful weals

and if this tongue must needs speak

let words truth and beauty seek,

such words as always combine

balm for soul and salve for mind.

First published in Verse-Virtual, March 2018