Sticks And Stones
When I was a child at school, ‘twas often said defensively
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
Well, sadly so, such isn’t true, and those children knew this too,
For words can certainly hurt and injure, and often do.
Sometimes words can deeply scar, and resound throughout the years,
Somewhat like a chiming bell reverberating in one’s ears.
It’s bad enough when older, should such words our ears insult,
But when we’re little children it’s a serious assault.
Any words that pass our lips that hurt, or happiness drain,
We can’t retract — even if we’re sorry — hence, bruising may remain.
For though we’re sorry, our words may still haunt them, gnaw away,
Which is why we shouldn’t state what love wouldn’t, and what doesn’t pay.
What we say may well reveal flaws within our heart and mind,
An unpleasant side to us -- that one day, someone may find.
And we could lose a friendship that we do not want to lose,
Hence why we should be careful regarding those words we choose.
Let us not underestimate the power of words we use,
And far more judiciously, and lovingly, our words choose.
Lest we — the gift of speech, and the joy of language — abuse,
And the ability to speak, or state our mind, somehow lose.
Remember: They’re not just words, but rather, bullets or bouquets,
That just bring another down, or that love and care conveys.
They’ll either fire someone up, or melt their heart, gain you a friend,
Bring about a sorry rift, or a sorry rift will mend.
Yes, words destroy marriages, breakup friendships, create wars,
Or they act like healing balm, thus thereby opening doors.
They reach, teach, bring about change, are a blessing or a curse,
For the way in which they’re used, either improves or makes things worse.
By Lance Landall