John Hamilton Poet Free verse

Sarcasm Bites

Lunging forward a stab to the heart,
vitriol hurled at an unsuspecting soul.
A sarcastic word or comment, thrown in jest,
tearing flesh, leaving a gaping hole.
I was only joking, ha ha, wasn't that fun?
he says to no one.
Why are you hurt?
They're only words you know,
letters put together as one.
Intentional or not, caustic words will burn,
stinging speech cannot be unstung.
Hurtful songs, once sang, cannot be unsung.
Playing the dangerous game of sarcasm,
is like shooting words in derision.
Vitreous feelings are shattered,
only causing hurtful division.
Sarcasm is not innocent child's play,
it bites, it leaves marks, that forever may remain.

Think before you speak there are always consequences to hurtful speech!

John Derek Hamilton November 18,2015

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Andrea Dietrich November 8, 2017 at 3:12 PM Love this one and the cool title you gave it. I see it is number three on your BEST poems list!! John Hamilton November 8, 2017 at 4:45 PM Thanks Andrea, yeah the title reflects it's Greek origins, which means wild dogs tearing flesh, sarcasm does bite, thanks for the visit and comment on this oldie but goodie.

Robert Warlov August 31, 2016 at 3:33 PM Applied to children, we are in agreement. A healthy adult, on the other hand, has a fully formed identity, which he owns. John Hamilton August 31, 2016 at 4:42 PM There must be a reason, the origin of the word sarcasm, comes from Greek tear flesh like wild dogs. John Hamilton August 31, 2016 at 4:38 PM ok Robert! Thanks for the visit!

Robert Warlov August 30, 2016 at 2:08 PM When I was about four years old, on the streets of New York city, I heard my first poem: "Sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never harm me" An incantation...? Perhaps. Word have only the power we give them. Eastern cultures differ in this respect. John Hamilton August 30, 2016 at 2:21 PM Thanks Robert, yeah I think everyone heard that little line growing up, it's one thing coming from other little kids but when it's abusive parents, some kids grow up traumatized, easy to say snap out of it, doesn't work for depression either!

Becca Teagan June 14, 2016 at 10:45 AM Yes, this is very true, John. It is not funny when someone is hurt by sarcasm. "They are only words" is pretty naive. Words are powerful. Thank you for directing me to this poem, I'm saving it to my favorites. :) Hugs John Hamilton June 14, 2016 at 12:33 PM Wow! Thanks Becca, for your visit and comment and fave, I am honored!

Lin Lane November 18, 2015 at 4:49 PM Very true, John. Words cannot be taken back, not even with a 'sorry.' John Hamilton November 18, 2015 at 5:45 PM Thanks Lin, so true. Thanks for your visit and support. JDH