Gentleness

No one should ever need to avert
That tenderness, that sweetness
Of nature, that curry of favor…
That gentleness.

In the calm gentle soul
Rests the mover of mountains,
The prophet of reason,
The emblem of hope.

Bartering discord with steadfast demeanor,
Countering armor with soft eiderdown.
Whispers of wisdom that echo like thunder
Til storm clouds disperse and
The walls tumble down.

Bandits and beasts may
Run roughshod with ignorance
Brandishing bayonets meant to impress.
But souls without kindness are
Doomed to destruction,
For life has no honor
Without gentleness.

Lulu Storefront: http://www.lulu.com/dsmartin