some words are like daggers that cut from within
dissecting our spirits never piercing our skin,
not like sticks and stones that break bones and bruise flesh
of a shy kid who's just a bit unlike the rest.
so most kids avoid him like he has a disease
while other kids push him and punch him and taunt him and tease,
"hey geek-boy, hey faggot, what's the matter you scared?"
his fists clench in his pocket. he'd fight back if he dared.
instead he swallows it all deep down inside
where it shaves another small strip of his pride.
or out in the hallway, when in between classes,
a rude comment is tossed by a boy as he passes
a girl who doesn't quite know what to say,
so she frowns and looks down and walks sadly away.
"hey it was only a joke, I meant nothing of it,
it's a free country sweetheart, either leave it or love it!"
but freedom of speech often comes with a price
when we use words that are sharp and pointed and slice
up our souls while they skewer our thoughts,
and each day on the planet we're all regrettably taught
that names will never hurt me or maim or incite
two boys in a school yard poised for a fight.
I don't think silence is golden but violence is heard
whenever we utter a name, phrase or word
or harbor ideas that are anchored in hate,
doomed to poison and perpetuate
the cycle of intolerance, rage and mistrust
that will hack us to pieces from ashes 'til dust.