Words

Unkind expressions crash into our brains Where those spoken before are pooled. They sink self-esteem with anchor chains And consign us to being emotionally ruled. The assaults lap at our sense of self-worth Washing it away with as little as a word— One that wounds us untold moments on earth, One that makes civility blatantly blurred. We aren’t privy to the burdens others bear They aren’t for us to know at any expense. Might we use words with uncommon care Lest we naively perpetuate an allied offense.