sticks and stones

sticks and stone may shatter bones
as well as fists and various household items,
but words strike deeper than any physicality
and we are abusers in the darkest sense
when we lash out with tongue and temper,
leaving scars on the souls and spirits
where we should be lovers and bold champions.
hold high those around you, make not a lie
of short, simple declarative sentences
by the way you twist and persist with words
and attitude to savage the self-esteem
and dreams of those we cannot accept as peer.
this I take from those who treat others such:
they have no regard for others, no respect
and should be left to the crust of dust
that covers all lifeless things left behind.
even Jesus said shake the dust off...


William F. DeVault. all rights reserved.