A villanelle on the 5th Commandment.
I shall not hurt or harm my neighbour
whether friend, stranger, or in the womb,
but help them out of every danger.
For his good I always labour
rather than dig his tomb.
I shall not hurt or harm my neighbour.
Against the womb the vile debater
should stop her murderous fume,
but help them out of every danger.
For the Lord avenges every murder
to bring evil to its doom.
I shall not hurt or harm my neighbour.
I will not hate in my leisure
like a tempest of dark and gloom
but help them out of every danger.
For all were created by my Maker
in His image whose glory blooms.
I shall not hurt or harm my neighbour
but help them out of every danger.
The Lutheran Column 