Fine Point

"Not to put too fine a point on things,"
genteel introduction to instruction that
will probably not be welcomed warmly,
or preface to matters of somewhat,
um, shall we say, indelicacy?
In the south, we like to soften words
blunt or brusque, curt or criticizing,
camouflaging comments that may be construed
as rude or risque, but what we say
is still of value.
I'll take a fine point any day
over too-wide brushes painting people
into corners of credos as if everyone of
single color, economy, or particular
conformity of thought about this
issue or that lacked inherent ability
to think for himself. Or herself,
as the case may be. You see,
not to put too fine a point on things,
but that's just freakin' stupid.


(c) Ellen Gillette, 2013