Tone of Voice

The verdict of defeat

is not the final word,

however hard and flat

the voice intoning it

Nothing said in hard, flat tones

can be the final word,

for truth has joy, and truth

is ever singing

When you hear truth’s voice,

the ringing of it

will make you sit still.

You won’t want to do anything

but listen

When you hear truth’s voice,

all that’s hard and flat in you

will melt —

all that speaks to you in cruel tones,

all that is vindictive and contemptuous

will turn to dust and wash away,

and leave you sparkling clear and true,

toning in the voice that knows your name.

©Wendy Mulhern

October 11, 2019