A Wound that Will Not Heal

Bullets shatter skin and bone,
but words can break the heart.
Cruelty from trusted lips,
splits the soul apart.

The crueler, the more potent,
Causing fear and dread.
Even more effective when
There's truth in what was said.

Their venomous intent,
lingers everywhere,
Turning love to hate,
and joy to doubt and fear.

The damage runs deep,
unseen yet very real,
Poison in the heart and soul,
A wound that will not heal.

All the world religions say
to follow the Golden Rule.
The damage done is very real
when people are too cruel.

We don't fault the wound
for the bullet's cruel sting.
So why blame the heart for
the pain that cruel words bring?

Let go, they preach,
don't hold on to the pain.
But the damage done is very real.
Let's not the victim blame.