Stiff Competition

Which is more potent,
a word
or
a knife?

Each is a means to
an end
of
a life.

Both can strike
without prediction.

Both can wound
with self-infliction.

Word delivers
spoken
lashes.

Knife delivers
welted
slashes.

Word targets mind
with verbal assault.

Knife targets skin
with fracture and fault.

Word creates chaos as
mind
breaks
within.

Knife creates mayhem as
blade
breaks
the skin.

Which is more potent,
a word
or
a knife?

Each is a means to
the end
of
a life.