Tongue
by John Agard,
from AlterNative Anthem*
Small flame
under the roof
of a mouth.
You devour
You cleanse
You tell honey
from vinegar.
You speak truth.
You speak slander.
You soothe
with a kiss.
You bruise
with a word.
To the possessed
you are the gift
of entertainment.
To the dispossessed
you are the scale
of judgement.
Small flame
under the roof
of a mouth.
Tyranny knows
your hiding place.
_____________
* Distributed in the U.S. by Dufour Editions.
Joseph Hutchison, Colorado Poet Laureate 2014-2019, has published 20 collections of poems and edited or co-edited three poetry anthologies. He currently directs two master’s-level programs for University College at the University of Denver: Professional Creative Writing and Arts & Culture Management. Joe lives with his wife, Melody Madonna, in the mountains southwest of Denver, Colorado, the city where he was born. 
Glad you enjoyed it! Agard is a treat—witty and serious at the same time. Sometimes just plain fun….
What an unexpected gift this morning, of this wonderful poem by a poet I'd not known of previously, with a link to his bio. Poets sharing other poets' work, a surprise guest at this reader's morning coffee time. Thanks, Joe.