words will never hurt me

Words will never hurt me ….

Words will never hurt me, that’s what they always say
But words still carry a price, and I don’t want to pay

Like “it” is a name some give me, like I am not even real
I swallow the word, though it chokes me, I don’t know how to deal

“Sin” is what some call my journey, like I ever had a choice
And the pounding from the pulpit, drowns out my forlorn voice

“Sissy” is a favorite word for some to use, it covers lots of ground
Gives such an excuse to flex a muscle, and look for someone to pound

“Homo” and “Fag” are popular too, for those who need an excuse
To act out hate and fear, to make a war, and never call a truce

“Thing” is not a nice name, but sometimes I have heard it said
And at times, the hurt I feel inside, makes me see red

But I am not the labels, my story has so much more to say
If only you would take the time, and if attention you would pay

I don’t deserve abuse, not by labels, words, or acts
I am a human being, and only I have all the facts

Don’t tell me words are not sticks and stones, or that I should just relax
For they can hurt, by themselves and they can lead to violent acts

Words will never hurt me, that’s what they always say
But words still carry a price, and I don’t want to pay.