Last Words

What was the last thing you said aloud?

The last words you spoke aloud ~

did they lift another’s mood?

Or were they barbs and insults,

continuing a feud?

 

Did you tell a hurtful joke,

or make a rude remark?

Was the last phrase that you uttered

negative and dark?

 

Spoken words have power,

they can echo through the years.

What will your voice reverberate

in your last receiver’s ears?

Author's Note

"Once the toothpaste is out of the tube, it's awfully hard to get it back in." - H. R. Haldeman

Reviews

[rhythm&blues]

Words are very affecting, I can recall many instances, I try not to fall into this awful pitfall, what my ex last said to me, still cuts like knife. Nice work here.

[Rita L. Sev]

Sometimes words come out that we regret - but that doesn't change the fact that we said them. Thank you, R&B

[SyberRose]

Very nice message you have penned...actions speak louder then words anyway...nicely done Rita...:)

[Rita L. Sev]

Absolutely true, Rose. Thank you!

[Distantview]

A thought-provoking poem. Words, once uttered, remain said! We should think before we speak. Saying sorry does not always make things right again! A good write.

[Rita L. Sev]

That is so true - and even if we forgive, those words still echo. Thank you.

[Onku Ghosh]

A fantastic poem stating the obvious- words ,once uttered cannot be taken back.This you have done so matter- of- factly and therein lies the beauty of this poem.NO beating about the bush ,what has to be stated is stated loud and clear.I like your style ''Spoken words have power/they can echo through the years/What will your voice reverberate/in your last receiver's ears?''So true
I am saving this poem in my library

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Onku! I appreciate it!

[B-poet]

A very witty, intriguing, and cleverly written poem. Great work. A interesting write and read. :)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, BP

[Ed Hart]

i'm working on an invention to get toothpaste back into the tube; meanwhile i'll make a mantra from your pristine words...clever girl

[Rita L. Sev]

That toothpaste thing is a pain... ;) Thank you, Ed

[Dhaye]

Very insightful. Good for self-reflection...and a reminder for everyone.

Good job!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Dhaye

[ShelleyA]

Hi Rita. A beautiful write and message. You give your readers something to think about in their use of words and how they can affect those around you. Flow is good; line to line transition and breaks are well done. Very nice rhythm. Rhyme is good as is the rhyme scheme. Every second/fourth line in each stanza is perfect masculine end line rhyme that is executed with precision in this piece. Good depth of feeling. I can relate to your thoughts and questions very well. Good word choice. Excellent use of questions for emphasis of feeling about the tone of your words. Well penned. Write on!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you very much, Shelley

[ShelleyA]

You're very welcome Rita. Take care and have a great day!