Balk

In baseball, it's illegal for the pitcher

A photo by LS Wynn
at www.wisegeek.org

a balk that's penalized by runners

moving forward on the diamond,

one base closer to their goal of home.

The sort of home we live in, though, 

requires the periodic balks of different 

sorts or suffering will ensue. Awful words

must stall upon tongue's very tip, dark grip of

violence about to strike must catch itself

and stop, mid-air, before it finds intended mark. 

About to lie or hurt, denying and defending self

when what is needed is to listen calmly, utter not

a sound, breathe deeply and perhaps just walk away 

so like an agitated pitcher might, stepping off
the mound, the crowd all waiting
in the stands for peace to overcome.

(c) Ellen Gillette, 2013