The Truth
by Barrie Wade
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The poem 'Truth' overturns the old saying that 'sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me'. The poet insists that words can also hurt, in fact more deeply and for far longer. Stones and sticks break only the skin, but words are 'ghosts that haunt' the poet; slant and curved, the 'word swords' fall to pierce and stick inside. Bats and bricks may ache through the bones, but words 'mortify'. While cuts and bruises soon heal, the pain from words leaves a lasting scar on the mind and heart, so that it is the words the poet remembers. Using metaphor, alliteration and repetition, the poem conveys the truth that harsh, unkind words wound more painfully and permanently than any physical weapon, and reminds us to control our language and our negative emotions.
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Words hurt like sticks and stones
The poet begins by admitting that sticks and stones may break his bones, but words can also hurt him. Stones and sticks break only the skin, while words are 'ghosts that haunt' him: physical wounds are visible and heal, but the hurt caused by unkind words troubles the mind for a long time.
Word swords that pierce
In the second stanza the words become 'swords'. Slant and curved, the word swords fall to pierce and stick inside the poet. Bats and bricks may ache through the bones, but words 'mortify', they humiliate and shame him deeply, showing how sharply and lastingly bitter words wound.
The scar that remains
The pain from words has left its scar on the poet's tender mind and heart. Cuts and bruises have now healed, but it is the words that he remembers. Through this the poet drives home his 'truth': physical injuries pass, but the pain caused by harsh words lingers and is never forgotten.