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.

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