I hurt right back

I hurt 

So I hurt right back 

I can’t even remember 

If I thought about it 

If I wanted it 

If I meant it 

I hurt 

So I hurt right back 

 

I started thinking 

I started wanting 

I started meaning it 

And I got better 

I knew just what to say 

I knew just when to say it 

I hurt 

So I hurt right back 

 

It became my drug 

I waited for it 

I looked for it 

I knew it would come 

I needed the rush 

I needed the high 

I hurt 

So I hurt right back 

 

Sharp words 

Biting retort 

Stinging expressions 

It felt so natural 

Nothing like 

 A learned response 

I hurt 

So I hurt right back 

 

I didn’t know 

What it did inside 

I became less 

Anger became more 

The raw 

Was the raw within 

I hurt 

So .. 

 

I stopped 

I looked at it 

Eye to eye 

I was scared 

It wore my face 

It had my voice 

It knew my words 

I hurt 

 

I left it there 

Railing in the wind 

Hurling its venom 

Screaming its rage 

It could not be 

My part anymore 

I hurt 

So, I walked away 

 

© Ron Simpson, Jr.