Tact

It isn’t always what we say,

But how we choose to say it

That stokes the fire and

Raises ire to levels meteorical.

 

A careless choice of adjectives,

An ill-advised inflection,

A query spit in anger and

Regarded unrhetorical,

 

Every situation, conversation,

Clash or clumsy quarrel

Wields a double whetted sword

On puzzling possibilities.

 

And prudence pushes pause if

We are anchored analytically to

Find the peerless pressure point

Where every advocate agrees.

 

So, I will parry not to judge,

But gently speak with suavity,

Conversing with my fiercest foes

In echoes of diplomacy.