I am currently reading the book titled Choice Words by Peter H. Johnston. In the beginning of the book he included a poem by Herb Warren called Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones. Growing up, I frequently heard “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words could never hurt me,” but I feel that this is very untrue. I would like to share this poem with other educators who will then share it with their students, colleagues, etc. I agree with Herb Warren, and I like the way in which he changed the original poem.

Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones

“Sticks and stones may break my bones

But words could never hurt me.”

And this I knew was surely true

And truth could not desert me.

But now I know it is not so.

I’ve changed the latter part;

For sticks and stones may break the bones

But words can break the heart.

Sticks and stones may break the bones

But leave the spirit whole,

But simple words can break the heart

Or silence crush the soul.

Herb Warren