Wounded by Words - a Rhyming Course for a Writer's Remorse

- From Richelieu, by Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1803-1873)

Here I stand, with wounded heart,
Damaged by an archer's dart.
The pen, a weapon of much might,
Has turned my day to darkest night.

In fear, I turn and run for life,
Thus panicked by a writer's strife.
Is "cute" a compliment, though terse,
A single word to sum up verse?

For creativity is blood,
And mine is spilt into the mud.
I fear I just may need a crutch,
Thus injured by this rhyme of "much."

Although his phrasings I admire,
My wording might have reached up higher.
For eloquence might earn a smile,
And further fellowship awhile.

The olive branch, I now extend,
To reach a newfound writing friend.
We share a gift, the love of ink,
Regardless of what others think.

And though I deem his wordings "cute,"
My affirmation's absolute.
So may he exit from his cave
To slay more dragons, ever-brave!

Author's Note:

Edward Bulwer-Lytton, a 19th Century English writer and politician, wrote these words: "The pen is mightier than the sword." This much is true, although children may claim the opposite. "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." How false this is, for our words may certainly wound far deeper than weapons!