Words Will Never Hurt Me

The saying "sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me" is a bunch of hooey. Words can hurt and destroy much as they have done throughout history. Think of  Hitler who rose to power using words to convince his rightists that his hatreds were correct and his theory of violence and dictatorship were the route to conquering the world. Fortunately, he didn't make it, but let's face it, he got awfully close. If you are courageous enough to read about the man, you will find that it was his words alone that convinced his followers. Other than living in squalor while a young man and working hard to become famous through his words, he did little on the battlefield latterly. And everyone heeded the words of Churchill, words that encouraged millions of people to carry on in spite of the painful hardships of war.  Kids today with  their ever-present  electronic weaponry,  do a pretty good job with words, too. Most of their communications are inane babblings but sometimes  their nasty escapades have caused hurt, destruction and even death.  It's all about words.  Words are not always negative, in fact, they can be angels of mercy and love. A letter to the dying, stating an appreciation of the effect of their lives on yours, a note to your kids or elders about the value of their presence in your life, a quick word to your boss or employee about what you like happening in the work place,  all make a positive jolt to someone's existence.  Letters, e mail or otherwise, enough of them, to your elected politicians will eventually make an impression especially if your words are backed up with a few facts or examples. The elected who got there mainly through the power of words, are there because of your votes  and/or those of your peers. Fair game, but only if you play. Don't complain over the fence, write it down and send it. Sometimes all it takes is one little word to either hurt someone indelibly or help them enormously. I had a boss once who made it a point to stick a post-it note on the glass of my office window. It was just a word or two about something he appreciated, even if it were only a smile. Those notes made my day and hopefully those of my students. Then again, someone can let slip a small word and it can hurt and be remembered for all your life. I recall when a young woman struggling to get a post-secondary education and I mentioned to a close respected relative what my eventual professional plan was he made a hasty retort that was mocking. I said nothing in return but  it took a long time before I could re-establish the confidence I needed to continue with my hard-earned education. I made it, but could never forget the remark. It made me realize how important words are. And then we have the joy of words as art. Poets and other writers' art  have an influence in our lives. I know no one who can't quote a beloved line or two written by a favorite author. Some use biblical verses written by those no longer remembered as their oars on the ocean of life. Yet others, simply enjoy making their own poetry as curatives for times of emotional crashes. Yes, words are much more powerful than we realize and using them, we need to consider their impact because sometimes, alas, they can and do backfire.