With words a war can be wrought
or a peace brokered.
With words a heart can be healed
or torn beyond repair.
With words inspiration can be sparked
or self-esteem shattered and trodden into the ground.
Words are medicine and weapons;
they unite and divide.
Though their production is without cost,
their effect rarely is.
Speak kindly and your words are a debt
I can never repay,
speak carelessly and something priceless
may be destroyed.
Once my basic needs are met,
words are all that I need.
They tell me about you, tell you about me
and us about our world.
My words are something
that can stay with you when I am gone.
