Words can speak life
into a person’s soul
but sometimes words
are only silent syllables,
empty vowels mouthed
between lame consonants
not knowing where to spit.
In raw personal disaster,
how can anyone find words
that won’t do more damage
to an already fragile psyche?
Shame, blame, trite phrases
prove how small irretrievable
words only multiply misery.
Words elude both tongue
and pen when faced with a
child’s death by miscarriage,
accident, suicide; Language
languishes in presence of
slow painful suffering by
cancer, AIDS, dementia.
Who has an answer when words fail?
a poem in my pocket 
Jun 11, 2014 @ 20:49:00
Yes, words are not the answer to everything. Sometimes a touch, or just a look, are enough, or provide far more than words can.
Jun 10, 2014 @ 19:51:54
So true. Well said, and wisely worded!
Jun 10, 2014 @ 01:17:59
Trite phrases in the face of loss and grief definitely multiply misery. Ugh. I like how you answered your own question with the Maya quote. Perfect ending.
Jun 09, 2014 @ 04:54:56
So true! And the Angelou quote was a fine cap-off to your poem
Jun 06, 2014 @ 23:16:17
Beautifully written including that quote by Maya ~ I agree that during those moments, words are not enough and may only multiply the misery ~
Jun 06, 2014 @ 20:14:34
I fully understand this.. When words become hurtful platitudes.. Or cut striations deep into the soul.. Great words and much truth.
Jun 06, 2014 @ 19:15:12
A comforting hug or arm around the shoulder…. a simple ‘ I don’t have the words…but I care’…. Diane
Jun 06, 2014 @ 14:18:22
Your poem reminds me of the days following the death of a family member. I don’t remember people’s words. I remember that they came and that they made me feel they cared.
Jun 06, 2014 @ 12:05:54
words can def damage….abuse….with held words can as well…neglect is just as abusing..leaving people out…abandoning…when faced with a tragedy it is hard to know what to say…because every little thing is a raw spot….and you are right you can feel like you are doing more damage
Jun 06, 2014 @ 04:13:03
love that quote… and yes.. the words will be forgotten but never how they made them feel or how they changed things or encouraged or hurt them… we need to respect the power of words but also their borders and the tongue needs a wise captain
Jun 06, 2014 @ 03:33:05
I knew all too well how words can become absent when emotions run deep. Nicely done and I love that quote you added
Jun 06, 2014 @ 03:18:42
Your words ring so very true. So many times words do elude both tongue and pen. To try to say something to someone who has been through such a great loss….well, it is hard if not impossible. The Maya Angelou quote is so very true. She was so very wise.