What wisdom it is
to know whether a word or a touch
will speak
the most tender blessing
or whether
a compassionate silence
would be the more welcome expression.

What grace it is
to speak words of healing
to the aching wound,
the grieving heart,
the friendless soul.

What courage it takes
to endure
the rasping rake
of a sharp tongue,
a haughty look,
or the chilling lance
of hate-filled eyes.

What beauty it is
to see the humble heart,
unfeigning its genuine regard
for others of lower esteem,
the raw power
of deep meekness
submitting to the weak.

What glory it is
to know
that wisdom,
grace,
courage,
and beauty
became Flesh
and walked among us,
wielding an unbreakable
humility and meekness,
conquering kings and powers and dominions:

the frail sheep
bleating and bleeding
a Tender Mercy
that broke
the very gates of Hell.

H. Arnett
8/16/12