Words That Divide

 

We speak in tones both sharp and sweet,
With velvet phrases laced with heat.
A raised brow here, a sigh, a glance—
And judgment slips in like a dance.

Do we seek truth or do we cast blame?
What do our words reveal as their aim?
Respectful and seeking to understand?
Or do they indulge in a sly reprimand?

 

Boomers nod with courteous grace,
"That’s inappropriate" holds its place.
"Interesting" wears a careful grin—
Polite disguise for the blame within.

 

Gen X leans back, too cool to care,
A "Whatever" tossed into the air.
Disdain disguised as nonchalant,
But every shrug’s a ghost that haunts.

 

Millennials laugh, then softly sting,
“Hard pass,” “cringe”—each has its ring.
Their humor hides the moral ire,
While memes decide what truth expires.

 

Then Gen Z drops the call-out cues,
"Red flag", "That is weird", makes the news.
With trends as shields, they stake their ground—
With cutting words, so unprofound.

Do we seek truth or do we cast blame?
What do our words reveal as their aim?
Respectful and seeking to understand?
Or do they indulge in a sly reprimand?

 

But here’s the gift, if we can see:
Each word we speak reflects the we.
Let go of blame, to be replaced,
With curiosity we do embrace.