Stray Bullets

Words are like bullets. Ammunition

saved for different situations.

Words can carry incredible power

and pierce the toughest armour.

When we can’t get a grip, we slip

up – say things that make ears ring

rather than using words to sing.

We empty a banana clip and shoot

from the hip. When bullets fly,

and fall like rain, they can travel

through brains, leaving a trail of

destruction. They can leave red stains.

Words can be fatal; they can shatter

souls: leave holes impossible to fill.

One word can kill a spirit; even if

we weren’t the target, it can hurt

just to hear it. We can catch a stray

bullet: get caught in the crossfire.

We can cease fire at any time,

practice restraint, and keep

the safety on. Eventually, wounds

will heal and the pain will be gone.

We can’t take back words we say,

but we can learn from the pain.

I think it’s time to put the gun away.