Sticks and stones
may break my bones
but words -
lacerate my soul,
ripping it to shreds.
Leaving my being
next to dead.

My eyes are worn away
begrudging me, as life has been cruel.
They play this game with me
that doesn't allow me to see.

My glasses are in on it too
a continual struggle
of hide and seek

So I cannot tell
if you are smiling at me
or glaring with gritted teeth.