Autopsy of an Argument

Autopsy of an Argument

subtle inflection
like fingernails on chalkboard
a gauntlet is thrown

tension is building
fury pumps through the bloodstream
waiting for release

battle lines are drawn
whose line is it anyway
rapid fire exchange

now words are murdered
caught in double jeopardy
and nobody wins

insults and daggers
climbing to the tipping point
crashing to the ground

aftermath of war
sifting through the dust and bones
never worth the price

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2026
June 13, 2026

Happy Saturday Night! I just got back from a 3-mile fast walk around the lake, Dan joined me on the first lap. It was a beautiful evening, much cooler than yesterday. We got to see a buck and his doe grazing – she was the one who got on her hind legs and snorted at me! We watched some turtles swimming, three mallard ducks chasing each other, and several sweet little bunny rabbits who froze as we approached.

This isn’t my usual cheery love post, haha. I was looking through some New York Dolls song titles and lyrics earlier today and one of them struck me “now words are murdered.” It really stuck with me, and I visualized a heated argument that escalates to dangerous territory. Fortunately, Dan and I don’t really argue. Like all couples, we occasionally have disagreements, but it’s always minor and never worth a fight. We thrive in a pretty chill, peaceful environment. Somehow all the prompts led me to jot down this haiku series. When you feel yourself getting out of control with anger or other emotions, words can be murdered – causing incredible pain and sometimes lasting damage to others. I guess a word to the wise is always “think before you speak!”

This Thursday we are going to Ocean City for a long weekend to celebrate my birthday. I’m looking forward to a little beach escape. We’re meeting up with a couple coworkers and going on a tiki birthday party boat. It should be a fun way to spend my birthday. That’s all I got. Until next week – love y’all!

Xoxo
Colleen

Ecrits Blogophilia Week 50.17 – Whose Line is it Anyway?
Hard Bonus: Incorporate your favorite game show (Jeopardy)
Easy Bonus: Include a song title or lyric from the New York Dolls (“now words are murdered” from the song “End of Summer”)