Home » Poems » Lin Lane » Shoot Me with Words and I Will Rise

Notes About The Poem

Kai's Healing Contest ~ February 20, 2025

Shoot Me with Words and I Will Rise

I have known the ache of being picked apart
by cultures trying to prey on my wounded heart.
By predators whose cruel words were spoken,
hoping they'd left me bleeding and broken.

I've cried out in sorrow from slurs of disdain,
felt the prick of their thorns like nettles of pain.
I needed healing when my feelings were spurned
Not bodily, but emotionally, I was wickedly burned.

I rescued my heart as it bled upon the floor
and decided not to allow the suffering anymore.
I healed my heartache with a change of attitude
by ignoring those who were mean and quite rude.

To myself, I promised that I would always be kind
and break free from pangs of pain in my mind.
I focused upon healing my afflictions at great length
and swapped my weaknesses for inner strength.

The process of recovering was easier and achieved
when I had a breakthrough and was finally relieved.
I chose to ignore trivialities that once caused me pain.
Now, my heart is filled with happiness with life again.

I smile when others want to see my heart broken
and recall words that Maya Angelou had spoken,
"You may shoot me with words, cut me with your eyes,
but from a past that's rooted in pain, I rise. I rise."*


*'Still I Rise' by Maya Angelou

introspectionphilosophyrhyme

♡Like0

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Susan Ashley

March 2, 2025 at 7:13 PM

Dear Lin, congratulations for your success in Kai's contest with your unique perspective of healing through the practice of self-empowerment. Beautiful poetic expression, as always. Warmest wishes my poet friend.. ~Susan

Crystol Woods

March 1, 2025 at 10:24 AM

Such a beautiful tribute to a favorite poetess... and touching quote. I love poems like this, that speak straightforward though with poetic language. Your rhymes are not forced but provide a graceful flow. I love what you have to say as well! Lessons such as this must be learned through experience, but are never forgotten. Xo

Duke Beaufort

February 25, 2025 at 10:12 AM

Bravo Lin, when we realize that the problem is with the others who in fact hate themselves, we can ignore what they say and understand how pitiful they are. There's no shortage of these types in our current leadership positions. They can only make themselves feel better by attacking others. That's pretty sick and I understand how they will never be as well off as we are.

Lin Lane

March 1, 2025 at 4:10 AM

After the despicable actions in the Oval Office yesterday, I’m embarrassed for our country. How could they be such bullies?

Kim Rodrigues

February 20, 2025 at 1:03 PM

Very, very nice!

Lin Lane

February 20, 2025 at 1:06 PM

Thanks very much, Kim.

Deb M

February 20, 2025 at 10:25 AM

Oh wow Lin….what an incredible poem…so beautifully written. I felt both the pain and strength in your words my friend! Debx

Lin Lane

February 20, 2025 at 11:42 AM

thanks! ;-)

Deb M

February 20, 2025 at 10:31 AM

And l you Lin! Xx

Lin Lane

February 20, 2025 at 10:29 AM

Hey there, sweet poetry sister. Thanks for feeling my words, Deb. I appreciate you.

Tom Cunningham

February 20, 2025 at 10:14 AM

Learning to block out cruel words make you a stronger person, reminds me of that rhyme, sticks and stones can break my bones but names will never hurt me. Good luck in the contest Lin. Hope you've had a good week. Heading home tomorrow. Tom

Lin Lane

February 20, 2025 at 10:28 AM

Hi, Tom. You're right about cruel words. I'm not sure what kind of healing the sponsor wanted so I went with this concept. I've been well even with temperatures of lows 80s falling into the 30s overnight. Weird weather patterns, but there's nothing believable about climate changes... right? Have safe travels home.