“If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies… And the tongue is a fire.” – James 4:3, 6a

My tongue has been trained, yes it has.
It has been trained in true and righteous speech,
through the best efforts of parents, teachers, friends.
I am a credit to them when I speak well.

Well.

My tongue has been inflamed, yes it has.
It has sputtered sparks and spat forth fire.
When furious clamor has arisen from my foolish words,
I am a credit only to myself.

Well.

What bit will serve to govern streams of fire?
What governor will guide a flaming tongue?
A pity that there is no quick solution,
though silence, at the least, constrains the blazing word.

A poem/prayer based on James 3:1-12, the Revised Common Lectionary Second Reading for Year B, Proper 19 (24).

Photo by Eric Anderson.