If there is one thing I have learned, but then from time to time forgot.
It’s that something that can seem so small can add up to a lot.
I still have to remind myself of this fact every day.
That so much can be riding on everything we say.

There is precious treasure riding, on every spoken word.
And sometimes when its been said wrong the right way cant be heard.
I try to say just what I mean with every word I say.
Cause once a word had been said wrong, it never goes away.

At times the things I want to say, don’t come out like they should.
And you can lose what’s dear to you, over words misunderstood.
Be careful of the things you say and try to look ahead.
For once you have said something wrong, it can never be unsaid.

But then we have forgiveness, and it is the only cure.
To fix the things that we have said, but wasn’t really sure.
Words spoke out in anger, or something wrongly said.
Have raised the level of the seas, from tears that have been shed.

I know because I’ve been there, and I’ve said some foolish things.
And I’ve seen my loved ones faces, and the heartache that this brings.
So listen to me closely now, and start without delay.
To think of consequences brought by every word you say.

Jack Roberts – August 2002

repost of an earlier poem