Prayer for the Right Word

By Anna M. Priestley

Give us strong words for these imperiled days;
A weak word is the one link that betrays.
Let words be chosen with consummate care,
Released with caution, only after prayer,
For they are weapons that, if rightly used,
Can build a world, or wreck it if abused.
The wrong words now could set our world on fire,
The right ones mold it more to our desire.
Give us well-rounded words, carved to the line
Of precious metals from the heart’s own mine,
For love can build a stronger citadel
Than that in which the mind’s cold minions dwell.
God give the men who hold our destiny
Wise words to halt the march of tyranny,
Words that will show our honest purpose lies
In helping all who will to fraternize
And yet convince the world that we would fight
To the last man for what we know is right.

(1955)