"Words"

This is the first time I set out to deliberately write a poem as opposed to one being inspired by a particular event.  It was an interesting experience.

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Like a thousand knives, they cut

Like a noose, they tighten around your neck
Like a rock, they break you
A picture may be worth a thousand words
But a word can damage more

Carelessly we let words flit from our lips

Hurtful phrases coming tripping from ignorance
Thoughtlessly we say what is on our mind
Heedless of the damage and pain we cause

Have you ever heard the phrase

“That’s so gay!” or “That’s so girly!”
As if being gay or girly is something to be ashamed of

We hide behind anonymity to spew bile

We hurl invective and claim freedom of speech
We insult those we disagree with in the name of religion
And then act shocked when people get mad

We judge people and label them pejoratively

We look at them and put them in little boxes
Then if they don’t fit in with what we want,
We damn them to the outer levels of perdition

Yet words can help, so give a kind word to those who need it

Thus and so is the power of words
To hurt or heal, to harm or help
Which one they do is up to you.
Will you help or harm?  Will you heal or hurt?

Don’t tell me, show me.  For while words are powerful,

They can be used to lie too.  The choice is yours.