Wounds of the Tongue

Blood drips down the spine of the unknowing victim
Tongue like steel plunges deep into the spirit, piercing more than just
feelings, severing the ties of brotherhood
Thought shot from the hip inflicts a mortal wound
Festering contempt now burns darkly in the mind of the inflicted
Clumsily worded, insincere apologies try to suture the wounds of the tongue,
motivated by self-concern rather than remorse
Nonchalant disregard for the implications of destructive comments fuels the
corrosion of social unity
Smile in their presence, slander in their absence
Cut the flesh from their bones as their backs are turned
Years of bitter tears can flow from a split second comment
Words can never wash away the wounds of the tongue
Only love and remorse can heal the spirit