CASTING A STONE


What's right, what's wrong
Did you ever stop to think
Who you might hurt when you don't think
When you don't even try

The sound of conscience lingers
Just out of earshot for you
Though everyone around you
Can hear the startling words it speaks

Too old to change your ways
Too beaten down to rediscover
The person you once were and long for
To return and merge with your soul

You change your ways with every tick of the clock
And forget who means a thing to you
Do you really mean to hurt them
Or do you just not know who's who

You weren't the only one
Who felt the water rise to them
When you cast the first stone into the calm
The calm that you once knew

Now this lake is cracked and broken
You cannot stay above without
The fear that someone may come along
And do what you have done

The consequences ripple out
Beyond the realms of blame
Beyond these clear calm waters
To open your heart and pour in shame

What you felt from your actions
Is not near the flood you sent to others
But what is dealt to innocent victims
Returns to burn the dealers hands

You cry some nights in sheer remorse
For crimes you have so done
The ones that laws can't punish
Yet bring others undone

And all you want is your reprieve
But you are slowly sinking under
The winds have shifted, tides have risen
And so you will be punished