they say words don’t hurt.

sticks and stones may break your bones

but words will never…

they’re wrong.

words will never bring tears

they’re wrong.

words will never cause death

they’re wrong.

words will never bring pain

and heartache

and despair

and they are oh so wrong.

if words don’t hurt

why is there bullying

why is there suicide

why are hearts being so drowned by words

that air never reaches their lungs again

they say words don’t hurt.

they’re wrong.

but when they say words hold power

they’re right.

when they say words spoken in love can break chains

they’re right

when they say words can destroy evil

and bring hope

and save lives

they are right.

words are a strange thing.

they can save and destroy,

hurt and help.

and yet the power words hold comes solely from the listener.

and the choice is all yours.

the words you listen to will define you.

choose wisely.