BEFORE SPEAKING

Is it truthful?
Is it necessary?
Is it kind?
Rumi asked

If I were to honestly answer
these three questions
I would rarely communicate
with others, especially
those with whom I disagree.

While I am good at listening
to others with the grace of God,
I question whether I speak
when I should be silent.
Do I take the time to speak
my truth in a way that is loving?
What makes it necessary
Whose truth?
What is kind?

If I had to physically move
through three gates before speaking
would I have the energy to speak.
Perhaps I should consider how important
it is for me to speak my truth
and if so wait until I can speak them
kindly and with love.
Until then I will sit in
the grace of the Ultimate
and be silent.