there are harsh words enough in the world
to break a thousand hearts
enough stones to batter and crush
a million innocent bodies
enough misconceptions and judgments
to lock the door
and stay inside one’s narrow mind.
but I will hold my tongue
and breathe in kindness
until I can only speak love
I will seek to heal
the wounds I have inflicted
letting go of grudges
I will boldly face my fears
and act with intent
having left the world a better place
because I lived.
––Angela Beloian