words

how many words do you speak a day
what makes them come forth
to laugh and bring joy
to comfort and soothe

what makes the words so powerful
stirring nations to war
quietly keeping the peace
bringing forth pride
drawing out shame

words to comfort a child in tears
words to make you fall in love
words when said which break the heart
words like daggers through the soul

words are a weapon wielded without regard
words are a blanket swaddling the pain
from the mind through the mouth
into the world
and cannot be taken back