Physical wounds and emotional wounds
require completely different care
To heal a physical wound
is to cover and protect it
salve its bleeding heart
stifle its screams
intervene
so it's not forced onto the battlefield
to fight against the elements
immunocompromised structure
making it a prime target
for raging infection
or sepsis
The physical wound
is a bit of a victim
a poor dear
cry baby
fragile and timid
hands off
for it to get well soon
cuz if you touch it too much
trigger it
before it's outta the woods
your assault will have
dire repercussions
It has already shrieked
"Leave me alone!"
but it's just like you
to not listen
The emotional wound
has disturbing fortitude
zero compassion
wakes up every morning
happily greeting you
with a sword in one hand
and a middle finger
planted between your eyes
its only intention for the day
to slice your self-esteem
into a thousand teeny chunks
hatefully cast them to the floor
watch them scatter and bounce
deep-belly laugh
while jabbing you with its blade
as you dive and scramble after them
like a frenzied dope fiend
trying to gather enough parts
to piece back into yourself
so you can properly handle
the day's crises
That bastard
you absolutely
cannot protect
you gotta bring a gun
to this knife fight
or it will feed on your ego
and mentally cripple you
It has
history and depth
size and strength
knows exactly how
to have you wrapped
in a straitjacket
before 9 a.m.
It is
your all-day abuser
inside job
with outside influence
on the clock 24/7
will never quit on its own
so
you will have to terminate
Show it no mercy
find some courage
snatch its weapon
while it's reaching
for the next heinous move
impale it—
never mind all the gushing blood
it's toxic anyway—
lay it across the table
uncovered
uncomfortable
and
fillet that MF!
don't be scared to touch it
this one
you gotta put hands on
grab fistfuls
of its wicked innards
rip out the unhealthy beliefs
it's had you brainwashed by
remove the cancer
that's been shrinking you
discard the remains
and launch yourself
into full recovery
Physical wounds and emotional wounds
can both kill you
in different ways
Learn how to defend yourself accordingly
©2026 Charlene E. Green
