“Crippling grief“
Note: Roses are the National Flower of the United States
words
wielded
wound
when
will
we
stop
what
have
we
wrought
with
word
warfare
who
will
remain
whole
in
the
unholiness
who
will
wise
up
in
the
wreckage
to
work
toward
well-being
for
all
for
we
are
not
you
and
me
we
are
we
us
without
unity
peace
healing
we
will
cease
to
be
where
are
the
words
of
mending
not
rending
where
is
the
ending
words
create
worlds
and
destroy
them
within
and
without
where
are
the
words
who
will
speak
them
who
will
live
them
and
when
when
when
when
*******
written for
Sharing Our Stories: Magic in a Blog
all are welcome here
to write
and to be
where words
are not
wielded
to wound
lit bits and pieces 
Fran, you gave me chills as I read your powerful words. The power of words cannot be ignored. You have a gift.
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Elsie, thank you so much. I started writing something else and this came out. The power of writing!
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wow…this needs to be published… please try… I may have to step away from an important group also as a result… thank you for your honesty. XO nanc
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Thank you, Nanc – I am grateful for you, your spirit, and your words. I wonder who/what would want to publish this…❤️
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Oh, my, Fran, your poem is so emotional and powerful! When read aloud I love the sounds of your alliteration, repetition and rhyme. I agree with Nanc that your plea needs to be published. So moving, I almost cried. Thank you for another gift.
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Gail, it delights me that you read it aloud to feel the patterns & rhythm. Your own words are always a gift. I am so grateful. If I could think of a place to send it…
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You show the power of words here in your poem. Well done, but I wish it was not written. I wish so many words had not been spoken. Words have power to wound or to heal.
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Yes. Power to wound and heal. This poem is yearning for words to usher the latter. I read an article today on the neuroscience behind our words – makes me ponder how our culture is shaped. May write about that after mulling awhile.
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Wow. So powerful and moving. Those last repeated words were haunting. This poem makes the reader want to pick up the torch and go out into the world to answer this and to start the healing.
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Julie – these words of yours make my day! That’s my prayer – that more & more we’ll be about healing.
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You started with words that started with W and then shifted and this was really interesting to me. I also felt like the speed of it shifted and it was almost like I was getting pulled into the current. Thanks for sharing!
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Many thanks, Jen, for your thoughts on the poem’s pull. I am grateful for your words.
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Fran- your words have the power to heal. I wish more people used them like this.
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Thank you for this, Deb. ❤️
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This is haunting and powerful, Fran. The form is perfect — so spare and yet continuing on and on. Sort of like a wail. I don’t even know if that makes sense, but I was deeply moved by your words.
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I so appreciate your reading and your response, Molly – it means much to me that you found the poem moving.
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What a powerful reflection — full of honesty and deep questions. Thank you for sharing your poetry, Fran.
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Melissa, thank you for reading and for your meaningful words in response to my poem.
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