tempting

I tempt myself

to say what I mean. 

But no!

Words can sting

and burrow sharply into veins,

quicken the pulse,

linger.

I tempt myself 

to take a breath

or two

But oh! 

there's a word skimming by

Red and Shiny in its tempered shell.

Watch it pass,

let it go.

Maybe it won't be so close by tomorrow.