a stupid little word

how is it that
one little word
can make such a difference
can change the world
my point of view
so dramatically
how is it
that all the little things
now seem different
how is it
that i could feel one way
and suddenly
instantly
feel something else
completely
all because of
one little word

luckily i realize
this change
is not visible to others
nor does it seem to be
affecting me
quite as much as
i first feared
which both
startles and reassures me
simultaneously

though this change is
none of my business
does not involve me
i find
on a much deeper level
that it has already
impacted me
and i am changed
forever
because of it

one stupid little word