Torture

Words are an essential weapon of choice
In an arsenal of torture devised to inflict harm,
With a strength that lies in giving self disbelief voice,
Either stabbing like daggers or soothing like balm.

Because you can’t be sure which way they are going,
You adopt a stance of always on alert.
The damage can be done with no single scar showing,
Only knowing someone reveals the depth of their hurt.

Perhaps words are deserved, invited by deceit
Or poor choices made in the quiet of night.
You cannot ...