Words can be so powerful
But we rarely stop to think
About their repercussions
As we take our turn to speak.
We utter them unthinkingly,
Thoughts tumble unabounded,
A thoughtless word or two can mean
A problem gets compounded.
A paranoia grows in size,
Fed by words mis-spoken.
Self-esteem takes a nose dive
In response to silence broken.
We never know how others feel
About the words we say,
And often underestimate
The leading role they play
In feeding others’ misery
And fuelling their hurt
Because the listener hides it well,
Those feelings stay covert.
So we bound around quite merrily
Launching painful word grenades,
Oblivious to what we’ve done,
The price that will be paid.
By someone in a place that hurts
Where words are not their friend.
And if we get it really wrong,
Our words mean friendship ends.
Pooky's Poems 
As is said, “the pen is mightier than the sword,” and words definitely have the power to hurt,to cause wars, and to sentence people to death. On the other hand, they have the power to convey love and laughter.
LikeLike
That’s so true – and a sentiment I’d thought I would end up exploring here, but it wasn’t to be. My poems tend to flow out fully formed and it’s hard for me to bend them at my will!
LikeLike
You’re absolutely right. Words are so powerful..it can place people down and hurt from time to time. But also if we use them carefully..words can encourage, connect and convey love and compassion. I’m glad I know English to be able to connect with you x
LikeLike
What a lovely thing to say MarySue! You write as if English is your first language?
LikeLike
Thank you Pooky. I love language and English has always been an important part of my life but my first language is Japanese.
LikeLike
Really? Wow – I’m superbly impressed!
LikeLike
Another thought filled poem. It brought to mind one of my favourite poems, We Are Many by Pablo Neruda. Sometimes, for whatever reason, our words can inadvertently hurt others. Often we struggle with expressing ourself because of all the things that make us who we are.
I’ll post a link to Neruda’s poem. He explains it far better than I ever could.
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/we-are-many/
LikeLike
Thanks Tricia – I shall take a look now x
LikeLike
Those words on that back are very moving, when paired with your poem. Stopped by to give you an award. Drop by if they don’t bring you out in a rash. http://friendlyfairytales.com/2013/11/25/awarded-blog-of-the-year-among-other-blessings/ Warmly, Brenda
LikeLike
Thank you Brenda! Very kind x
LikeLike
Our words are a powerful commodity in our lives Pooky, they can hurt, they can also express love and support. It’s up to the individual to respond to what they hear but one would like to think they may have some understanding of the person who utters them.
LikeLike
I think sometimes that the venom is in the ear of the beholder…
LikeLike
(I do not know what the audio version of ‘beholder’ would be… apologies!)
LikeLike
Pooky, this is a wonderful expression, and I suspect it’s often true.
I know I once overreacted to a poem that made fun of fat people. The poem was belittling and gross and I was really scathing in my response. It wasn’t directed at me, but I took it personally and criticised the poet and the people who ‘liked’ the poem, as well as the poem itself. But then I was really sad when the poet responded by telling me his wife was ‘really fat’ and she thought it was funny. I found it hard to believe that an overweight person would find a really offensive poem about being overweight amusing. And to have one’s husband write it just reeked of cruelty to me. When he wrote his wife had helped him write it, well it smacked of dysfunctional relationship to me.
I wonder if it was all ‘my stuff’, but deep down I still think it’s wrong.
There I go again. Pooky your words so often stir the silt of my life. x
LikeLike
I remember that poem. And your response… And either you’re weren’t over reacting, or I was too. I found it deeply upsetting. x
LikeLike
I think ridiculing using general terms that may apply to many others is probably hurtful. Ridiculing a specific person, may be funny if they get the joke. However Both situations are fraught with danger, the power of the word.
Peter
LikeLike
I wholeheartedly agree.
LikeLike
Another great poem 😉
When we speak without thinking, even innocently, it is easy to upset others. Malicious intent has much power to do great harm. And while I strive to never resort to the latter, I occasionally find the former creeping out.
I spoke just a few words to my widowed aunty at her husband’s funeral, and Ms.Pac later explained why my words may not have been taken well. We live and learn and I learnt that when not knowing what to say, perhaps carefully consider what you do say.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry to hear that – that must have been upsetting for you. Did you revisit it for her or hope that the words had not been interpreted as Ms Pac feared?
LikeLike
It was only minor and have not had a chance to talk since.
LikeLike
I like it.its very nice of u.
LikeLike
From years of therapy, I have learned that it is okay to be silent. Its safer to listen than to speak oftentimes. Another well thought out gem of a poem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you x
LikeLike
Hi! I hope you don’t mind i’m sharing this on my facebook. I just want to remind people the powers words have. It seems a lot have forgotten about it. 🙂 Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course you’re welcome to share it. I hope it helps xxx
LikeLike