Words (Chicken Strips)

By j o n c o d e r

It happened last week over chicken strips

She up and said her peace

As I watched her walk away I had to fight for my breath

Her halfhearted words untied my tears

She said, “Thanks for the food”

I never knew a single meal could cost this much

Words make it too real

And I retreat to the silence

Cause careless words will kill me

Three weeks later on a Sunday our paths crossed again

I guess there was some pain left on my breath

She seemed to enjoy watching me search for words I didn’t mean

Cause the words she use a short time ago had taken mine away

Though she possess my words

My heart is safe in these songs

So I limp on in fear of language

Purposed to wound