Although I initially wrote the poem "Words Can Kill" reflecting on the dangers of childhood taunting and bullying, given recent events south of the border I am afraid my words have taken on a much more sobering reality . . .
Words Can Kill
Sticks and stones
Can break my bones
But words, merciless words
They can kill me
Flung recklessly
Without thought, without care
From the skyscraper of ignorance
That masquerades as the truth
Shot from the gun of jealousy
Fired with the bullet of hate
Stored in the grenade of fear
Waiting to explode
Soaked in the quicksand of malice
Pulled by the undertow of anger
Feigning righteousness
Without conscience or regret
Words can bleed
Words can wound
Words can break
Words can kill
Words do matter and we need to choose words that help, heal and support, not destroy us and each other. Imagine what it would be like if we lived in a world where we used words to build each other up instead of tear each other down . . . imagine.
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