The Freeway Billboard

By Andrew R. Duckworth

If my voice were as loud
As the freeway billboard,
I would sew my lips shut
To prevent from being proud.

My words are my words,
My lips a frigid instrument-
Often issuing forth the cold
With the voice that I hold.

May my billboard be blank,
Not in cowardice but restraint,
Lest I poison other men
And lead lost souls to sin.

Someday, perhaps a word or two
As long as they hold only truth.