Does it improve on the silence?

“Before you speak, ask yourself, is it kind, is in necessary, is it true, does it improve on the silence?

              Sai Bab of Shirdi , quoted by Laura  Berman Fortgang in The Little Book on Meaning”, p. 164

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there is so much I want to say

it needs saying, I just know it!

and yet

there is that Sacred Presence

deep within my soul

that does not believe I am nearly as clever or wise

as I think I am,

and sees all those little ways I stretch and alter the facts

there is that Sacred Wisdom

that sees the harm I can do

and understands that at times it would be better,

far better indeed, if I listened

just listened

there is that Sacred Voice

that whispers

Stephen,

just be quiet

for a moment, at least for a moment,

just live with the silence

(everyone will be better off)

then speak the truth

with compassion

to build the other up,

and

in

love