Our Words Matter

A poem

Photo by Michael on Unsplash

When we’re little, we’re taught
the golden rule. To treat others
the way we want to be treated.
To choose words with kindness,
or not to say anything at all.

We’re taught this not to stifle,
or manipulate, or try to mimic
some other person’s thought —
we’re taught this because our
words matter.

Our words matter.

It matters what passes our lips
when we speak to another soul;
the phrases we choose, the way
we say it, the utterances that flee
our lips in times of stress, and
excitement and joy and despair
and anger all matter.

It matters when you spew fiction
over fact, hate over love, and
fear over hope.

When you do this, you light the
flame of destruction on parched
ground.

When you do this, you invoke
paranoia, and disillusion, and
chaos and violence.