Sticks and Stones... and Words

We have all said things aloud that either endear us to others or serve to cause doubt, pain and confusion. Maybe we don't know what we're talking about, and sometimes we ignore the "think before you speak" adage and utter things we wish we could take back once they've been released, but the impact of words - spoken and written - is quite powerful and cannot be underestimated.

The Free Dictionary offers this definition:

word

n.

1. A sound or a combination of sounds, or its representation in writing 

or printing, that symbolizes and communicates a meaning and may 

consist of a single morpheme or of a combination of morphemes.

2.

a. Something said; an utterance, remark, or comment: May I say a word about that?

b. A command or direction; an order: gave the word to retreat.

c. An assurance or promise; sworn intention: She has kept her word.

d. A verbal signal; a password or watchword.

3. words

a. Discourse or talk; speech: Actions speak louder than words.

b. Music The text of a vocal composition; lyrics.

c. Hostile or angry remarks made back and forth.

4.

a. News: Any word on your promotion?

b. Rumor: Word has it they're divorcing.

the power of love - tjbg - 2016 - using the Silk app

Words are bandied about so freely today - meaningful words, truthful words, deceptive words - on TV, on the radio, in magazines and on social media, and I for one feel so constantly bombarded by the words of others - fueled by ignorance and prejudice, carrying negativity and hidden agendas - that I can no longer turn away from my responsibility to say, simply, "WHAT?" or "I BEG TO DIFFER..." or "LET'S RESEARCH THAT!"

Luke Skywalker: I don't understand how we got by those troops. I thought we were dead.
Obi wan Kenobi: The Force can have a strong influence on the weak-minded.

While some of us are able to express ourselves through the fine arts, most of us rely on words to share our feelings and ideas. Love letters... Books... Graphic novels... Poems... Eulogies... People who cannot express themselves in any positive, constructive way are, in my opinion, emotionally handicapped and trapped in a dark personal hell; a shuttered, shattered world of their own making. 

hearts around the world - tjbg - 2016 - using the Silk app

It makes me want to open a window and let a little light in for them and, if they wish, they can leave it open and breathe some fresh air or close it if they think the air is poisonous and not suitable for their gasping lungs. Not that I know so much, or that I'm right about everything, but I choose to have an open mind and a willingness to learn something new... as long as it is the truth. 

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Excerpt from the poem by Dylan Thomas (copyright poets.org)
https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/do-not-go-gentle-good-night

peaceflower - tjbg - 2016 - using the Silk app

Please, let us not go gentle into that good night... We must rage, rage against the dying of the light.