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In Praise of Words

Words are wonderful!

They are infinitely adaptable.

Words are the ultimate in recyclable

Resources. Horses which are unbeatable

On so many different courses.

“Words can mean, what I want them to mean,”

As Humpty Dumpty scornfully said.

Which was witty, if not entirely true,

In Alice’s view.

 

Words will come unbidden to my mind

Then disappear into the misty air,

Defying my despairing grasp.

Other words arrive in the nick of time,

Rescuing this celebratory rhyme.

 

Words can make you a friend,

Or an enemy for life, in an instant.

Words can be sharp

And pierce you to the bone,

Or soothing, like a poultice,

For those who are lost and alone.

 

“It’s only words,” as the Bee Gees say,

But words can be precious, deep, sublime.

They can crystalise our thoughts

And hopes for peace, as we pray,

On this year’s World Poetry Day.

 

◄ Let Sleeping Poets Lie

Just a Bit of Banter ►

Comments

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John Botterill

Mon 14th Mar 2022 05:56

Thanks to Pamela, Ursula and Holden for the likes. 😀

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John Botterill

Sun 13th Mar 2022 19:17

Thanks Stephen. I'm impressed with your feats of memory. I hope it continues to work its magic for you! 😀

Thanks, too, Clare and Ruth for the likes 😀

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Stephen Gospage

Sun 13th Mar 2022 18:07

A good one, John. The idea of words as unbeatable horses (for so many different courses) is thrilling.
I am pretty good at remembering words which come to me during the night - up to now!

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John Botterill

Sun 13th Mar 2022 17:11

Thanks so much, Stephen. Lovely comments.
I annoy my wife by getting out of bed to write down 'gems' at 2 am. They never seem so great in the morning, though 😀

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Stephen Atkinson

Sun 13th Mar 2022 15:50

Words are the most powerful tool in civilisation, John.
They can bring peace
Or start wars
Or bring us wonderful poetry
Like yours!

If, in the morning, I could remember half the words that come to me during the night I'd be a much better poet!

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