Emotional Shrapnel

There are some people in this world
who either do not realize or do not care
how badly words wound.
Even slight agitation can cause them
to bellow their bullying obscenities.
Like lead balls from a muzzle-loading gun,
they’ll shoot you down,
maiming innocent souls in the process.

Both their words and deeds
come from a place of narcissism 
and the need to control.
They may cleverly plan their onslaughts
or simply go off like bombs
for no real reason at all,
exploding vileness
and scathing their victims’ souls
over and over again.

It matters not if their attacks
are physical or emotional. Often it’s both.
The viciousness of each strike they make
reveals their utter
soullessness.

In many cases, their victims are
the very people they had earlier on
vowed to love and protect.
Sometimes they hide their true nature
from others 
as they become increasingly abusive
toward spouses and children.
They become land mines onto which
innocent souls may unwittingly step.
Who can truly ever know 
the extent of the damage they inflict?

They leave lacerations on the hearts
of the innocent that they injure.
The victims who live
with these toxic individuals,
will continue bleeding emotionally
from deep inside.
Sadly, the once innocent 
who survive each horrible onslaught
may end up becoming 
the very monster he or she
was once made to endure.
Unfortunates such as these
will have felt their souls
shatter into fragments so tiny
they can never be put back together
again.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Godwin Avatar
May 12, 2025 at 6:22 AM
I read this last night but my comments grew to a novel-sized volume so I deleted and ran away. It is not like an essay (I think that's the word you used.) In fact, it contains passionate feelings. It is dramatic, emotive, angry and shows a saturated exasperation level. Love, CayCay
Maverick Avatar
May 12, 2025 at 1:26 AM
Hello Andrea...Very honest, hard-hitting lines If thats (truly the way to describe?) As in truth Such a piece goes a long way toward binding Up such wounds you highlight here..All blessings and Love in Jesus name my brave Compatriot.)
Peck Avatar
May 11, 2025 at 2:33 PM
A powerful poem, Andrea. And it's so true: an abused child often grows into an abuser. A vicious cycle. And, abusers have the need to control. I wonder if therapy ever helps, abuse is so ingrained in them. It just seems there are so many angry people. It's almost like the air is poisoned. Great writing, Andrea!
Legros Kelley Avatar
May 9, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Very sad, and terribly true Andrea. I have been victim to several people like this, sometimes they run in packs and show up to attack the innocent, like a bullying crowd from school, but sadly, some never grow up. They feel like victors the more harm they cause, but someday they will stand before God, a very sobering thought for those who do such, even if they don't think of it now, they'll surely wish they had on judgement day. You wrote this very well.
Dietrich Avatar
May 12, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Unless they come to God, I don't believe any of them can be rehabilitated. I mean, the really creepy ones like on all the true crime documentaries I watch.
Narain Avatar
May 9, 2025 at 9:40 AM
This is an ultimate truth in life. People play with others emotions in a wrong way. Nice poem.
Bauer Avatar
May 9, 2025 at 9:28 AM
This is brilliantly expressed, Andrea! Such a sad state of affairs and, unfortunately, so common.
Hind Avatar
May 9, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Very forthcoming, Andrea - there's too much of this in the world. The end, so true true. Your poetic voice rings! <3
Theraven Avatar
May 9, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Hello Andrea, Feel the hurt in your dark poem brought into light of consciousness. "They become land mines onto which innocent souls may unwittingly step. Who can truly ever know the extent of the damage they inflict?" With words so concise and detailed, elicited from a bruised heart depicting carnage that remains long after. Unfortunates always left to pick up the pieces. -Richard
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