Words!

Words have meanings

Words have power.

Words can be weighty

Words can bounce

They lift up

They bring down

They make you laugh

They make you cry

Words can be sharp

They pierce you like a spear

They bring you hurt

And care not for your tears

They strengthen you

Or leave you a withered fool

They germinate

And generate fear, love or hate

They build up

They destroy

Like missiles without mercy

Or jewels clothed with grace

They comfort

They heal

They disturb

They steal

They strip you of your dignity

And expose your vulnerability

They restore with gentleness

And bring a glimpse of hope to the helpless

Words can achieve

More than you can imagine.

Measure your words before you speak

Weigh them in the balance

Count the cost and the loss

For when they go from your lips

They cannot be retrieved

Let words be laced with kindness and gentleness

Truth dressed with mercy and love.

Like the gentle rustling of the wind

Striking a harmonious chord with hearer and listener