Words

 

I realised it is always about words with me, 

From words that are said, I struggle to be free,

Words that are spoken, or those long withheld,

Can send me spiraling in a whirlpool of doubt.

They can destroy my confidence, and diminish my worth,

My identity challenged, my whole being unearthed,

Imprisoned by your words, I don't recognise my self.

Is it really me, you are talking about?

Have I been so erroneous, in so many ways?

Is there a side of me, I can't see and yet display?

Like a rabbit in headlights, I am shocked by such derision.

To run for my life, would seem the best decision.

Wild horses couldnt keep me from being by your side,

I would gladly give you all, and more besides,

But one harsh word can bring my whole world crashing down,

Running for my life, for fear I might drown.

I am not exempt from getting it all wrong,

My arrows of insult, cannot be undone,

When backed into a corner, my tongue can inflict,

Such words of insult, as to make your heart sick.

And once they have flown, I can no longer remember,

Those words, that in your heart, burn like an ember.

I didnt mean to say it, it came from nowhere,

And now it will take time, to build and repair.

I lament not learning to communicate well,

When words have such power to hurt and to heal,

Kind words like an easy chair, nourish the soul,

Creating new Worlds, making us whole.

Gods word is life-giving, literally better than food,

So many treasured verses, have been my daily food,

To bear with, to bless and encourage one another,

To forgive countless times, the slights of a brother.

I cannot live without, the words of the Word,

The tenderness and love of our father above,

The precious love story of His redeeming Son,

Shine on me precious Saviour, risen victorious One.

Dawn Annette Montague 

19 August 2024