A Web Of Toxic Words

 

When I say “bad,” it’s not alone,
A gang of thugs with hearts of stone.
A link of words, encircling fires,
Each one stoking shame and ire.

 

“Bad” begets regret and guilt,
A house of blame that judgment built.
Then punishment walks through the door—
“You're not enough, you must do more.”

 

It whispers, “wrong,” then screams, “betrayed,”
The price for failing to obey.
Our thoughts of “good” is our downfall,
A court of “shoulds” that curse us all.

 

All for one and one for all—
These words entrap us, make us small.
All are echoes, all endowed.
The same old gang to which we bow.

 

The “victim” points, the “righteous” preach,
While “duty” clutches at your speech.
“Improve,” they say, “you're not yet pure,”
“Defensive? That’s what guilt is for.”

 

If I am “bad,” then love retreats,
And “unfair” justice takes its seat.
If they are “wrong,” the trap resets—
A tangled web of blame and debts.

 

So freshen up your inner tongue,
These toxic words have done us wrong.
Undo the lies that they have spread—
And all those “shoulds” are finally dead.

 

All for one and one for all—
These words entrap us, make us small.
All are echoes, all endowed.
The same old gang to which we bow.