frank incense speaking

does little to ease arterial flow

to relieve freedom of movement

paralyzed by a stroke

brought on by fear and anger

to help persons listen who remain

deaf to the pain of others

frank incense speaking infuriates

continues division by ‘we versus they’

or ‘us versus them’ and poisons

rather than calms the middle ground

of respect and mutual compromise

frank incense speaking

is not our world’s best gift

to the despairing Prince of Peace