Sticks and Stones

Some say it like a charm
in the face of words heavy as stone,
or a riddle of subtle pebbles thrown,
each sticking point like a firearm.
As if the saying would erase the harm.
Raging fire or cold as ice, we’ve known
too well where words can send us.
Words can cut us to the bone
and even end us.

—Diane Thiel