They can be stones;
they can be roses.
Help me, Creator,
to make my words a gift.
Open my lips to bring comfort;
still my tongue before I lash out.

Let the right combination of sounds
rise to meet anger
and soothe it into submission.
Divine presence, be in my words.
Speak through me,
that I might be your conduit
to the listening world.

Lori Strawn