What So Wild As Words Are
Words matter. We may not always notice their weight in the moment, but they can shape a day, a friendship, or a home. The words we speak can build up, or they can leave a mark that lasts longer than we intended.
"Speak with care, because words once spoken cannot be gathered back."
Updated February 12, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
There is no mileage in being the one who casts stones onto others in spite of whether they deserve it or not. To those who fling sour, sounding, and hurtful words, be very careful because what and how you say something may come back twofold onto you.
Take for example the supervisor who is so exasperated with an employee that they blow up and castigate them personally rather than try to positively criticize for an aspect of performed work. And, even more devastating to the person who receives this tongue lashing is if that same supervisor does so in front of other employees. Not only does this form of outlandish behavior affect the individual in receipt of such verbiage, but it also undermines the confidence and trust of those who are in earshot of hearing, and paints the supervisor as harsh rather than helpful.
A thoughtful, caring and empathetic leader is much more effective in the long run when they choose phrases, words, and even body language to make their point with deliberate care. And, for those who think people in senior or authoritative positions can do as they please and treat you verbally as they please, they are to be faulted every time.
Words are powerful, they can encourage and support or they can tear down and destroy. They can make a relationship special or they can end a relationship. They are easy to say but impossible to take back. Once these unkind, hurtful, or spiteful words leave one's mouth, the damage has already been done.
The secret to all relationships whether that is with a spouse, a child, or a friend or colleague is to think clearly and thoughtfully before you speak. Ask yourself a simple question before you utter any words: how would you like to be addressed in a similar situation or circumstance?
Let this poem by Wilhelmina Stitch remind you of the importance of choosing your words carefully. As was just stated, think before you speak!
What So Wild As Words Are
There's naught so wild as words that rise on temper's hot, uneven breath;
And, taking love by swift surprise, strike deep, like spears intent on death.
There's naught as wild as words that flow from lips that watch not what they say.
Oh, foolish Two, you surely know that love is scarce an inch away!
Those wild, wild, words, they cannot break the precious link that binds you fast.
Be silent now for love's sweet sake, for all the beauty of the past.
Be silent, though you suffer grief fearing that love has really fled.
When all is well - ah! what relief you breathed no word you wish unsaid.
There's naught so wild as words that spring from jealousy or injured pride,
From some unreined imaging - then may calm wisdom be the guide
And place up our lips a seal until the bitter mood departs
And joy's gay laughter comes to heal, and peace brings balm to two sore hearts.
Key Reflections
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Words Spoken in Anger Can Wound Deeply
The poem reminds us that words spoken in a heated moment can strike like sharp arrows. When emotions rise quickly, our speech can follow without wisdom. A single sentence said in anger may leave a mark that lasts far longer than the feeling that caused it. This is why restraint is not weakness. It is strength.
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Silence Can Protect Love
One of the strongest messages in the poem is the value of silence. There are moments when saying nothing preserves far more than speaking ever could. Choosing quiet in the middle of conflict allows emotions to settle and prevents regret. Silence, when chosen wisely, becomes an act of love.
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Pride and Jealousy Distort Our Thinking
The poem speaks of jealousy and injured pride as sources of wild words. When pride is hurt, we often feel the urge to defend ourselves quickly. Yet pride clouds judgment. Instead of reacting immediately, calm reflection helps us respond with clarity rather than impulse.
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Not All Words Can Be Taken Back
Once words are spoken, they cannot be retrieved. Even when forgiveness is given, the memory of what was said may linger. This reflection encourages us to pause before we speak and ask whether our words will build understanding or break trust.
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Love Is Often Closer Than We Think
The poem gently reminds us that love is often only an inch away, even in disagreement. In tense moments, it can feel as though love has disappeared, but in many cases it is simply waiting for calm to return. When we guard our words, we protect that closeness.
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Wisdom Is a Choice
Calm wisdom does not appear by accident. It is something we choose. We choose to slow down. We choose to consider how our words will sound. We choose to let peace guide us instead of emotion. In doing so, we strengthen our relationships rather than strain them.
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Conclusion
This poem reminds us that words can rush out when we feel hurt, jealous, or proud. In those moments, silence can be a gift we give to love. When we pause, we protect what matters most, and we leave room for calm to return.
If you are in a tense moment today, take a breath before you answer. Choose words that heal, not words that haunt. Later, you will be glad you guarded your tongue and kept peace close.
More Wilhelmina Stitch Poems to Inspire
"Let your words be few when anger is near, and let your kindness be loud when love needs help."