Hateful rhetoric incites hateful actions;
Some don't like to admit it, but it's true.
Wintry blasts provide few satisfactions
And turn unprotected fingers blue.

Averting one's glance suggests a transient solution.
Keeping oneself aloof can cause dismay.
Failure to address an issue such as pollution
Will not make the problem go away.

Insinuations challenge understanding--
Leaving reputations scarred or bruised.
Honesty is blameless but demanding,
Though tactfulness can often be excused.

Sincerity soothes our expectations
And overwhelms verbal attacks or girds.
Silence has double applications
And often speaks much louder than our words.

- by Bob B