Randy E. Richmond

STICKS AND STONES

Remember the old saying when we were little squirts,
About sticks and stones and broken bones and words that never hurt.
We now know that was make believe and not quite true in life.
That words we use in anger can cut just like a knife.
And when the wound’s been opened and never seems to heal,
It’s just our human nature hiding what we really feel.
It’s hard to say we’re sorry when we think we’ve done no wrong.
And harder still, enduring the pain the longer it goes on.
Especially if our family is who we’re speaking of,
We must remember that sometimes-angry words are born of love.
Concern can sometimes be confused as meddling in affairs.
We take offense at what is said when the person really cares.
We won’t always be happy with the things we hear and see.
But let’s try not to let the words we choose ever hurt our family.