Word Soup

Words can be like water

in a large pot, set on the stove.

The flames lick the bottom

of the pot, or the electric

coil sparks to life,

heating the watery

words.

The hot words soon bubble

and boil over the edge and

sizzle and spit as they slide

down the side of the pot

and splash to the hot range top.

A quick stir and the words

may calm down for a little,

but left unwatched

they start their roiling and

churning again until

no lid, no spoon nor speedy

hands can cease their

cascading boiling.

These words can burn and

scar and singe and scald.

They can wound and bring

the most violent of tears to

the eyes of even the most

confident soul.

They leave a lasting mark

on the skin left behind,

a reminder to the heart what

horrible things hot words can

be.

Keep an eye on your

words as they simmer, and

stir them to keep them calm,

check the heat and turn it down

if it’s too high. Never leave your

words unattended.