The Cost of Words Not Cheap

They say that words are cheap,

                                                  Yet I differ,

                                       Diamonds, Gold, are costly,

                                           Words? Much costlier.

                                     Words of peace and kindness

                                     Can heal a heart of blindness,

                                         For souls that somehow

                                               Could not see,

                                      Hearts and souls of others

                                         Throughout Humanity.

                                      Humble words, soft spoken,

                                     Which made the hearer sigh,

                                  Words like keys to human hearts,

                                      To hear the orphan's cry.

                                   Words can also break a heart,

                                    But worse, can break a soul,    

                                   The cost of this weighs heavy

                                    For those who pay that toll.

                                      Words more costly than

                                         Diamonds adorning 

                                          A queen's throat,

                                 Or devastation's rampant, of 

                                    A tyrant's words of gloat.

                                 Words spoken in harshness,

                                   Can break a child's heart,

                               But gentle word's of friendship

                                 Help that child heal in part.

                              They say that words are cheap,

                                         I totally differ,

                                Diamonds, Gold, are costly,

                                             But...
                             
                                  Words much Costlier.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Poet Avatar
May 9, 2023 at 5:35 PM
Your poem is spot on, BJ. The power of a single word can be simultaneously life-changing and devastating. The human race expects us to apply our speech to provide help, cure, and exhibit sympathy.
Agustin Avatar
May 8, 2023 at 9:12 PM
Thanks for sharing this... so wisdom-filled. Thanks likewise for my placement in your recently-judged contest. God bless you.
Mcintosh Avatar
May 7, 2023 at 2:53 AM
This is so true. I love it. A fave. God bless you friend, Love, Gina
Baker Avatar
April 17, 2023 at 3:01 PM
I agree with your poem, BJ. Words can be both priceless and devistating, uplifting or heartbreaking. We need to use our words to help, heal and show compassion to the world. Thanks for sharing through your poetry my friend. Bill
Legros Kelley Avatar
May 6, 2023 at 10:01 PM
Thank you for stopping over with your wonderfully uplifting comment Bill. Words, they really do matter. I've wondered how you are all doing in your new town? Hope alls well with you and your family :)
Volumes Avatar
April 11, 2023 at 11:08 PM
This is so true, and what so many just don't realise. What a wonderful lesson is learnt in the message of this wonderful poem. Just wonderful.
Legros Kelley Avatar
May 6, 2023 at 10:01 PM
Thank you Wendy :)
Daniel Avatar
April 3, 2023 at 4:34 AM
Hi BJ, thanks for clarifying, though my short story is too big to enter, I will try something else for your contest:)
Legros Kelley Avatar
May 6, 2023 at 10:04 PM
:) Finally done with the judging, that was way harder than I ever imagined! Oh my goodness, maybe the next contest I host will be a nice little Haiku contest. Anyway, whew, it's done! Thank you for dropping over, I tend to drop off here during my contests, and busy family times. It's nice to be back.
Daniel Avatar
April 2, 2023 at 5:56 AM
So very true, BJ:) well penned:) p.s: can I enter a "Narrative" (short story) for your fairy tale contest?
Legros Kelley Avatar
April 2, 2023 at 1:10 PM
Adding a bit more, though I was thinking in line of some older fairytale stories, children's stories that I feel will be uplifting to children (whether they actually fit into an old-style box of a fairytale or not), will be considered :) I look forward to what you will submit Jo, this is a fun theme, maybe a few of my grandkids will enjoy helping me judge this contest, I usually have a lot of help in judging, but I may get their input on this one :) <3
Legros Kelley Avatar
April 2, 2023 at 12:59 PM
Thank you Jo, I appreciate your visit and kind words :) If your narrative story is not too long you can enter your story. I had someone tell me that she tried to submit her story, and the PS site said she was over by way too many words, but you can try. I am looking for children's story themed with a good ending, thinking about the old fairy tale style like The Three Bears, etc, sort of a mini narrative style, I believe, but not as long as a typical narrative. Anyway, you can try :) PS may limit the word content, but its worth a try :)
Turner Avatar
April 1, 2023 at 9:42 PM
Look at you! So wise and so poetic. Just a gorgeous write, BJ:)
Legros Kelley Avatar
April 2, 2023 at 12:38 PM
Thank you Daniel, your comment is such a blessing and has lifted my day! I hope you're having a wonderful weekend :)
Wolf Avatar
April 1, 2023 at 8:22 PM
Stunning, BJ. And so, so true. God bless, Gershon
Legros Kelley Avatar
April 2, 2023 at 12:35 PM
Thank you Gershon, your words are so uplifting and encouraging to me. God bless you too Gershon :)
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