Words
are stones shifting in waves,
shadows around corners,
sighs slipping through
closed lips
releasing sounds
that loosen hearts
and tie souls.
But these words can tumble, terrify, twist
into thoughts that tear and break
colliding, rough edges
cracked bones.
Silence, then
as words soothe
and slowly sift
through what is left
to secure us.
Those words
like soft ridges
of settling sand,
save us from the storm.

Image Credit: Lena Bell