PETER
Three times
the cock crowed
and by the third
the whole world knew
that Peter had denied his Lord
the echo of that moment
can still be heard
each time we hide our face
afraid
not of death
but a mild rebuke
or
at the worst
a little ridicule
the world may never know
our silent denial
for as yet
it has not known
our silent
faith
Words are personal
words are personal
and communicate
but sticks and stones break bones and
incapacitate
words are personal
and irritate
but arrows get beneath the skin
and penetrate
words are personal
and aggravate
but bullets quickly find their mark
and terminate
words are personal
and liberate
thermonuclear devices simply
annihilate
THAT STILL SMALL VOICE
Confirmed by diagnosis
Opinion sought and given
None shall heed or listen to that
Still small voice within.
Committed to an action
Indecent in their haste
Ever mindful of the pressing
Need that none should waste
Children's tears and innocent years;
Enjoyment's bitter taste.