A Raging Fire

Some time ago, I read a verse

A wise young king wrote long ago;

It spoke of this world's darkest curse—

A tongue that dealt a deadly blow.

Some days ago, I met a friend;

We disagreed and tensions grew.

My temper flared, 'til in the end,

The raging fire could not subdue.

The deadly beast enrag'dly tore

At the best friend I'd once embraced;

The tirade grew until it swore,

And to the bone it cut in haste.

Some hours ago, my sense returned;

In shock I saw what laid in waste.

That raging fire completely burned—

My brother's form now laid defaced.

I blamed that demon of a flame,

But true guilt fell upon my tongue.

My face I buried now in shame,

The wise king's words in my mind rung.

"The tongue is like the sharpest sword,

A man who tames this beast is wise.

A slew of words is like a horde,

That member will wise men chastise."

A raging fire was my tongue,

I can't take back the damage done.

But I choose right now, while I'm young,

To fight this curse until I've won.