poetry 2017 / 079

For today’s prompt,write a faith poem. For some people, faith means religion. For others, faith means trusting in science and mathematics. Still others, think George Michael’s “Faith” just as some immediately conjure up Faith Hill. Regardless of where you put your faith (or don’t), today’s poem gives you an opportunity to express yourself.

Sticks and Stones

I'll never understand

the casual cruelty

with which you put me down.

Your voice is like a shard of glass

in a velvet glove.

The bruises on my legs will fade,

my arm will heal

but I'll never be the same

after those jibes.

They say that words can't hurt,

that they mean nothing 'less I let them

but they've never heard you say

how weak I am.

All that I have left is faith

you love me

and hope you will repent;

that perfect lie still beckons with

the taste of fear

another birth of pain and blood

and broken bones

but will you stay

and love me

or will panic still prevail

upon these empty rooms

and fears.

And will I cry

into a hollow void

or die a lonely death.

Please just stay.