Unsuspecting, a quarrel hits without warning.
Angry words fly—well-aimed missiles hitting their mark.
The shards and debris of broken relationships land here and there,
Slivers of misunderstandings pierce hearts and minds—wounds not easily healed.
We scatter, in times like these, each seeking safe places
Where we can replay in our heads what went wrong.
In shock and pain, we wait . . . stunned . . . silent.
How quiet it is after the battle.
We bind our wounds. They gloat in victory of this ruin.
We count our losses. . . shift the blame.
‘Now what?’
‘All I said was. . .’
“He said. . .she said. . .”
And so it goes—a circle without end.
We grieve.
Some of us harden our hearts.
The Enemy of our souls wins more than a skirmish.
Can we regain what’s been lost?
Dare we try?
Free Verse: 19 lines: Unpublished work © 2016, Linda K. Bridges
“Help your relatives and they will protect you like a strong city wall, but if you quarrel with them, they will close their doors to you.” (Proverbs 18:19 GNT)
Author’s Note: It is no secret that strife and discord lay close beneath the surface of nearly any serious relationship. When contentions erupt, we’re forced us to deal with them—or not. This poem was born after such an eruptive moment in our family. I have tried to capture the timeless query going on in the heart of one caught in the cross-fire of a family battle. I also attest, yes! We can regain what has been lost—but it comes with time, perseverance, healing and forgiveness. Yes! We must dare to try—it is worth the effort.