Not That I Can't

It's not that I can't

It's that I won't

Words you can recant

But wounds and throes

They leave behind scars

Though the stings fade

They can seal up hearts

Against trust made

Over years of love

Just mere seconds

When push becomes shove

Do severance

If used like bullets

Trigger happy

Defensive mindsets

Pulitzer-worthy

Comebacks and bon mots

Aren't worth damage

To another's soul

That old adage

Says words are easy

And quick to fly

But then endlessly

Their echoes cry

So I remember

When my words brew

That what I utter

I can't undo

So keep this in mind

Not every word

Needs to be so kind

But if it's heard

Will it pacify?

Will it disarm?

Will it rectify

Or will it harm?

If I am to speak

Let it be strong

And let it be meek

Even if wrong

I don't want my voice

To create cuts

That scar and destroy

My love and trust

So plenty of words

Inside are stowed

It's not that I can't

It's that I won't