I wrote this poem after an disagreement with my wife one day. It wasn’t a bad disagreement, but we were both tired and we were short with each other, not willing to listen to the other person’s side in the moment. We walked away from the situation without resolve, but we both knew there was nothing really wrong, we just needed to get right on the inside. A couple of hours later I could tell I was still emotionally drained and down. That’s when I realized how quickly emotions can change a situation. I hope you enjoy.

I hate that a few words
can change the direction
the motivation
of a full day

Like a tornado
words whirl and swirl
leaving a path of destruction
in our soul.

It can’t be seen
not physically, at least,
but can be felt for hours,
days, and in some cases
even years to come.

Energy zapped.
Motivation stolen.
Emotions too full.
They wait just below the eyes
ready to spill and spew
at the slightest zap
or another sting.

Is it even the words?
Or could it just be our attitudes?

How can we,
who know love so richly
take offense so easily.

We withdraw,
retreat,
only to bask
in the overload of solitude our soul embraces.
Not wanting to feel what we feel,
but unable, unwilling
to let go of the cry of the heart
that so desperately wants to scream.

Joys of the last few years
so easily washed away
by words spoken harshly
rashly
and memories of years past.

Memories that flood back, engulf,
and strangle all the good we know exists,
being reminded of the past,
the hurt and pain I’ve caused.