Deep Listening, Loving Speech

They can be like the sun, words

They can do for the heart

what light can do

for a field

                                St John of the Cross

_________________________________

Wise men

say it clearly

resolution to the worlds ills are not to be found

in the clanging noise of the internet

through harsh encounters

where everyone is talking

an no one is listening

except with a eye

to a response

the healing of the world

is to be found

in deep listening

in understanding

in loving speech

a lesson even more difficult

to learn

when we are soooooo

sure WE

are right

_____________________________

Lord, this day

help me to stop for a moment

May I really listen to

all the pain, and fear

and yes joy too

which lurks behind the words

My I seek to understand with the heart

and use my words

wisely

scattering them

like warm sun across a

field of good seeds

to bring forth

good

fruit