Poems (Hoffman)/To the Possessor of an Unbridled Tongue
TO THE POSSESSOR OF AN UNBRIDLED TONGUE
Out of the grass,Through flower-like clumps of gladsome wordsSprings a dread serpent whose unerring dartIs death to all the joyous, happy birds,Of many a human heart.
The venomed stingFrom tongues whose hate might wrap a worldIn white, dread flames from demon souls uncurled,While all the birds, too terrorized to sing,Fold their bright wings.
As from a serpentWould I hasten from the venomed tongue,Nor look again upon the one who flungUnjust anathemas, to make the chordsOf Life's sweet music jar.
Pour forth thy words!As I avoid the serpent's flowery path,So shall I circle far,Aside from all thy unreasoning wrath.