sticks and stones may break my bones
but words stick with me forever
words like porcelain and silver
create an image in my mind
of a girl with glass skin
and shining eyes
words like sharp and ache
make me picture bleeding veins
spilling stardust instead of crimson
words like gasp and shudder
show shivers down her spine
breathing as quietly as possible
at the first brush of innocent lips
sticks and stones may break your bones
but words will change your life

- c.s.