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.