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;
Tony Avila Sampson
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-tongue/
