Words

There are words that make us
          Shudder, wince:
          Wormwood, persimmon,
          Alum, quince.

There are words that soothe
          And tranquilize:
          Slumbering, rainbows,
          Butterflies.

There are words that tighten,
          Words that roil:
          Tension, turmoil,
          Chaos, spoil.

There are words that shimmer,
          That beguile:
          Stars, ships, peacocks,
          Firelight, smile.

And always, words
          That make life full:
          Love, laughter, home,
          Peace, beautiful.

          —E.B. de Vito