Both in a breath

We are taught to use our words
The lie of sticks and stones
While bone heals
More readily than soul


I can craft a compliment
From consonants and vowels
Punctuated with love
Just as much as I am able
To forge a sword in hatred
Sharpened on the stone of my rage


I can cure or cut with the assembly of syllables
I have done both in a breath
But it is in my silence where the volumes speak
Verbs in a vacuum
Sucked up and away
That you know I am lost to you