Don't Speak

before I speak.

I must practice the art of silence.

and the art of patience.

and the art of listening.

I should think,

of what it is that I intend to say.

and choose the most concise way to go about doing so.

I should not look at language as a general means of communicating.

but I should be reminded that

the reason I say something

and the way I say something,

should be specific

to the person

or people

I am saying it to.