the words you speak
cut so deep
deeper than steal against pale skin
sting more than metal drawing blood
the words you speak
degrade
no treasure of yours, just a passing whim
that can be thrown out with the Sunday trash
the words you speak
carry hate
where is the love you proclaim?
i can’t hear it in your voice. . .
the words you speak
are a physical blow
caught off guard, breath lost
sprawled on the ground in confusion

the words you speak
heal
better than a visit to the doctor
more effective than nurses care
the words you speak
uplift
there was never another quite like me
no one you love more
you’ll always cherish me
the words you speak
spread peace
your love is loud and quite
it is chaotic and unstoppable
the words you speak
are a helping hand
standing me on two feet when i have fallen
encouraging when i doubt

how is it that
the words you speak
can damn me so?
how is it that
the words you speak
can save me so?