With [our tongue] we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so.— James 3:9-10

Like a steel blade,
our words,
slash,
maim,
cripple,
destroy,
kill.
A virulent stream
of poison
spewing from our lips,
in anger,
fear,
hatred,
self-defense.
Untamed,
unchecked,
thoughtless,
ill-timed,
idle chatter.

Breathe once again
your spirit into us.
Reform, reclaim, renew
our words,
so like a gentle rain
in a barren land,
they may bring
healing,
wholeness,
growth,
acceptance,
life.
May our words,
give rise to your
blessing,
grace,
mercy
and peace.