A villanelle on the 8th Commandment.
I shall not lie with gossip or slander
but explain everything in the kindest way,
for our words can cause much danger.
Among gossip I shan’t be a bystander
but wave all their false words away.
I shall not lie with gossip or slander.
I shall not be controlled by anger
or to collusion fall prey,
for our words can cause much danger.
For even our words can murder
and lead a person astray.
I shall not lie with gossip or slander.
To a friend’s hate I shan’t pander
and lead everyone else astray,
for our words can cause much danger.
Rather, truth shall be my anchor
and this I’ll always say:
I shall not lie with gossip or slander,
for our words can cause much danger.
The Lutheran Column 