Words

Words can hurt and heal.
Sting and soothe.
Make friends and foes.
Help us, step on and miss some toes.

Words can stir storms and shakes,
Can harm more than earthquakes.
Cut sharper than a rake.
And can both mar and make.

Wait to speak, wise ones say,
Yet, our tongues regularly lash astray.
Then make us wonder or regret-we might and may,
With patience, have halted some battles of yesterday.

Why are we not more careful with words?
Why do we let them be our lords?

Its easier to say, tougher to restrain,
Easier to reply, difficult to reign.
Easier to settle scores,
Tougher to ignore and calm maintain.

Beyond words, shouldn’t actions be the real ticket to a meal?
Words can never fully reveal,
Anyone’s intent, purpose, promise or deal.
Aren’t actions a relationship’s true seal?

Words are easy, yet not everyone’s cup of tea.
Deeds convey the true character of you and me.

Beyond words, seek intent.
To find what is really meant,
Not merely what’s said.
But what’s left unsaid.

Trust-neither sugar coated word streams,
Nor shouts and steams,
But deeds that subtly light and beam-
Real human character beyond wordy dreams.