I dwell in a hollow, moist and dark,

Hard objects I lie between;

And it's not until this place is opened

That I might be seen.

Having neither arms nor legs,

I can move, but not "make haste."

I have no mouth of my own,

Yet still, I can taste.

I cannot view my prey

For I have no eyes to see,

But seldom do I miss my target

Striking with pinpoint accuracy.

My "fruit" is compared to poison

and while having potential for good,

It often causes pain and suffering

like a serpent never could.

Most who own me do not know God,

Becoming obvious as I'm set free;

Yet sadly at times, I'm loosed for evil,

Though God's child my owner might be.

But the owner who fails to control me

Is deceived to his own shame;

Yet, it has been said, that by no man

Can I ever be tamed.

Should you still wonder what I am,

I leave you with this small clue:

If you're able to read this riddle,

You surely own one of me too...

© 2003 A. Mitchell Moore, Jr.

Read James 1:26 and 3:5-10
for the answer or click here.