These are tough words
I have to say.
They don't come out
that easily.
They will hurt you
and me.
They will burn you
and me.

These are tough words
I have to speak.
They are rough words
and will scrape.
They will bite you
and me.
They will pester you
and me.

These are tough words
I have to whisper.
They are unforgettable,
always there.
They will haunt you
and me.
They will follow you
and me.

I have to say them,
however much they will condemn.
I have to spit them out,
and raise my voice to a shout.
I have to hurry and set them free,
there's not much time left for me.

Can you hear me?
Good.
Now will you listen?
These are words
that won't go in one ear
and trickle out the other.
These are words
that will stick in your brain.
Ready?
No, you will never be.
I. Am. Dying.
Slowly, on the inside.
It's too late to save me.

Tough words,
but I have said them.
Now you be tough
and forget them.