A misunderstanding of a single word redirects a conversation’s flow. A word used to get the conversation back on track either enriches or weakens the original intent. Be alert to the distinction between words introduced to address the misunderstanding. Sense the subtlety in the attempt to clarify the point or defend the premise. An argument is not an exchange of words nor interaction of ideas between two or more people. An argument is one person’s logical construct of reason to either support or reject an idea. An agreement is not necessary, rather move toward debate. So, do the words clarify the original point or defend an opinion? A conversation is the interplay of words within a safe environment of clear ideas. There are many forms of communication and word interplay.
Life is the pursuit of creative expression as a gift to give and receive. The energy of words as power and force comes through its delivery. Words come in the lines of a poem, the lyrics of a song, and a script for a play. Poem, song or script, words impact the mind, body, and spirit in different ways. A word’s impact lets us learn about ourselves, our thoughts, our feelings, our actions.
Poets are well versed in describing emotions in ways to elicit a hearty response. When poets write about love, it is in the hope to capture and highlight its essence. When reading the poet’s words and moved by the flow of a poem, the emotion of the heart sparks. The delayed physical experience is different from the immediate emotional response created within the poet’s studio. The ability to blend the precise moment of creation with created is like the challenge of blending love as it blossoms in two places.
The poet transcends the daily exchange of words into allegory. A poem is part speech and part song. The poet captures the essence of an epic hero through their stories of struggle and defeat, love lost, and love gained. The romantic poet revels in matters of the heart and scuffles with the muse of their passion. The environmental poet shares their fury towards a cause as a call to action. The child expresses their love for “Mother” by assigning a sweet word to each letter of her name.
A song lingers long after the music ends. The song is loud to those who need to hear the words and silent for those who don’t. The lyrics are clear regardless of your attraction to the music. A song flavors your day, by skipping to the beat in your head or recalling a lost love in your heart. There are times lyrics disappear or loiter within a haunting memory. Lyrics lets the mind conjure new views for stale solutions or accepts forgiveness with unfortunate misunderstandings. The beauty of a song elicits the participation of its listener by alerting the mind and relating to the heart. A song is a chance to experience a moment like never before.
A script emphasizes words with an artistic flair, a strong visual impact, and an inspiring soundtrack. The words delivered on stage are a reminder that the energy of being there is greater than seeing the same thing reproduced digitally. Whether on stage or the screen, the actor’s portrays human emotions through their delivery of words and actions produce a response.
The strength of a book is its arrangement and flow of words held within its binding. Holding a book within the hands or breathing in the smell of its pages, elicits an emotional response. The reader controls the speed in which the content of the book pours into your being. The margins are a space that invites the reader to annotate thoughts. A marked book is a reminder to return. The power of the book shifts from the first read to its subsequent study. The difference isn’t in the book, it’s in one’s personal evolution within the world. The nature of all books is to be read, shared, and circulated.
Let’s not take a word lightly. Appreciate its definition, its influence, and its power. Be aware of tone, intention, and possibly misinterpretation on all levels and venues. Avoid playing the game of quarrel for the sake of obstinance, and aim to listen to understand what is being said. As effective as the spoken word can be, the words left unspoken are just as important.
