Sticks and Stones

How could you say what you said when you said it?

So brazen and bold, letting them fall from your lips

Those phrases that dropped burning holes in my zen like acid

How could you? Say what you said? When you said it?

Behind my back, me out of ear shot, hearing every word without intention

Does it sound true to the ears of your memory, looking back at it?

Does it comfort your heart this contrivance of fiction,

Where you are a hero and I a villain?

But isn’t every villain vanquished a martyr to their cause?

How? Could you? Say what your said? When you said it?

Despite all that had passed between us,

And all that had transpired despite your transgressions at my expense.

Did you think I owed you infinite, for finite everything?

Did it not occur to you that the days of chattel were over,

and as a free woman, my labor in not just a means to your leisure?

How could you have said what you said when you said it?

In front of them, just let go of it there

Like a fire cracker going off in absolute silence

Drawing their attention there, to that spot, and that thing

Not that it matters if it’s true or not

Just that it’s there for them to look at

To mentally dissect and weigh in the court of their opinion

Against their principles

Without situational evidence.

How could you say what you said when you said it?

No that it matters what the words were

Now that the dust is clear and all is out there

In full view of anyone listening

You said what you said. Now stew in it.