Tact

Itisn’t always what we say,

Buthow we choose to say it

Thatstokes the fire and

Raisesire to levels meteorical.

 

Acareless choice of adjectives,

Anill-advised inflection,

Aquery spit in anger and

Regardedunrhetorical,

 

Everysituation, conversation,

Clashor clumsy quarrel

Wieldsa double whetted sword

Onpuzzling possibilities.

 

Andprudence pushes pause if

Weare anchored analytically to

Findthe peerless pressure point

Whereevery advocate agrees.

 

So,I will parry not to judge,

Butgently speak with suavity,

Conversingwith my fiercest foes

Inechoes of diplomacy.