Darts

what can we say about words
intended to harm rather than heal
Of which form it matters not
Big and crude, or small yet sharp
like loading poison into tiny darts
and aiming it all for another's heart
only needing one to hit it's mark
And then two types of damage are done
Then s/he who was not is now hurt
Even if the words said ring true
"Two-faced liar, hypocrite, coward"
Though this be only minor compared
To the deeper effects of repeated such
The erection of protective shields
As the hurt one grows a thicker skin
And laces it with cynic spikes
Now even good words and kind acts
Fail to pierce the protective shell
As all that really matters now
Is to never be so hurt again
Don't mention sticks and stones -
Words are the real thing