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The words we threw around today,
the curses and the blessings both,
Were not a verbal game to play—
a trifled breath, an empty oath.

Instead, life’s current carries now
the poisons we released so free;
The fire careless words allow,
consuming us from sea to sea.

We know not how the cost will rise,
how steep the price together paid.
But know, we must, our smoky skies
betray the deathly game we played.

O Lord, deliver us from sin,
from every rash and hasty word.
O purify the spring within,
Dilute our poison, blunt our sword.

Then sanctify our words anew,
that wounded hearts may healing see.
Let wisdom flow, let words be few,
let self-control begin with me.