For Friends Recently Wronged

People who turn to words
Remain indifferent to how
Hypocrites misuse them—
Like decorative party
Wrap around empty boxes,
Or ornamental bows on
Thoughtless trinkets—
By dismissing
The weight, gravity, resistance
Brought by words.

People who stand on words
Can't help but be bemused
When bureaucrats manipulate them—
Like future profit
On short sold shares,
Or bonds
Endlessly derived—
By exaggerating
The hope, power, promise
Contained in words.

People who rest in words
Die a little each time
Hurtful words are spoken—
Like daggers in the back
Suddenly stuck
Or a booby trap's
Deceitful death—
By those who never feel
The peace, healing, wholeness
Secured by words.