Slings and Arrows
No fear of slings and arrows
Or body racked with pain
It will not keep me down for long
With time I rise again
Tho’ pierced and torn the flesh
Wounds burn like fire’s coal
Confined to an earthly body
They scar not the heavenly soul
Blood be spilled and around me lie
No words can veil the hurt
Left to harm the outer me
Unshaken is my worth
The bravery which does exude
In sacrificed life and limb
Is not found deep inside
Great strength less present within
My heart cannot withstand such strife
Like the body easily can
For things that harm the heart
Can kill the inner man
Here even the slightest cut
Will bring about the flood
A torrent of emotions
In place of flowing blood
Though these scars remain unseen
Their damage is truly done
The heart holds onto pain
Now scared to see the sun
No armor exists for heart so frail
No defense to stay the pain
So easily it’s wounded
Time and time again
Why do the words you speak
So hateful and so small
Plow their way right through me
Why do they hurt at all
The heart will survive in knowing
That life offers so much more
It may have lost this battle
But has yet to lose the war
Bring back but slings and arrows
Those pains I do not fear
But in your words be gentle
To my heart I hold so dear
commonsensiblyspeaking 
So true.. physical.pain though difficult to endure is still bearable but the wounds of the heart are the worse
I had a feeling you would understand this better than most, as your own words are often a balm to my heart!
Our hearts ….. so strong in so many ways, and yet so vulnerable.
We try to protect them and give them away at the same time. Thank you for reading and commenting!
Yes I agree Brad … such a delicate balance …. I’ve faced some challenges in the past …. I picked up the pieces of my heart ….. I honored myself by walking away when I knew the time was right …. I regrouped and regained my bearings ….. and I learned to “protect” my heart and eventually, when I rose from the ashes, I decided to love and give my sweet YES to my hubby …… 💕💕💕
Nothing appreciates true love’s embrace more than the scarred and recovering heart! My love to both of you!
Oh you said it so perfectly! Thanks Brad! ❤️
as they say, sticks and stones… another fine job, Brad!
This was so beautifully written & moving!! How true, wounds of the heart cut deeper than flesh. Well done!
Thank you Kristian! Your comment is thoughtful and greatly appreciated!