Just A Word

It's just a word,
they say it's just a word.

It's just a word
but each syllable is followed
by a blow that hurts
just as bad as it did
when it was accompanied by fists
because it was just a word
and it didn't hurt enough.

It's just a word
but it may as well be a name
a label
because that's all they see
to them you are just a word
and you should be grateful
that they are only using their words this time.

And you shouldn't complain
because it's just a word
and words can't hurt
until it's carved into your skin
over and over
until it won't heal
and you’ll never be rid of it.

It's just a word
because it doesn't hurt them.

It's just a word
but it tastes like blood.