Words, Wizard Award ~ mentioned in Cathy's "Relentless Power" Options

[Guest_Nina_*]

*Graphic provided by
Celtic Castle Designs

When Cathy posted her poem "Relentless Power" it reminded me of one of the early poems I attempted to write. Having mentioned it to her in her thread, I thought I would post it on MM. I have had it critted on another board and for historical reasons I don't really want to revise it further.

I would, however, appreciate your comments.

Words

Do you know the effect,
Of words thoughtless spoken?
So terribly powerful,
Are the emotions awoken.

What is said can inspire me,
To reach so much higher,
Or kill creativity,
Like water on fire.

Words wrap around me,
So I’m never alone,
Or hurt like a knife,
Cutting sharp to the bone.

See the laughter, the joy,
The anger, the tears,
All churning inside me,
Exposing my fears.

Words wash over me,
Like waves on the beach,
The ripples created,
How far will they reach?

So speak your truth quietly,
With wisdom and care,
Of others’ sensitivities,
Be always aware.

Nina

[Guest_Toumai_*]

Hi, Nina

Thanks for this.

I particularly like the stanza:

Words wash over me,
Like waves on the beach,
The ripples created,
How far will they reach?

Each grain of sand was once part of a vast rock ... so I like that analagy: over time words have an immense effect.

Fran

[Guest_Nina_*]

Hi Fran

Thanks for popping in to read this and commenting.

Each grain of sand was once part of a vast rock ... so I like that analagy: over time words have an immense effect.

I didn't know that, very interesting,

Thanks

Nina

[Guest_Jox_*]

Hi Nina,

Yes, I do remember this from last year on BBC-GW. Good to see it here, now.

I like the poem holistically so I won't pick any particular verse, nor phrase. However, Fran's selection is brill.

I think the sensitivity to words which you demonstrate in this poem helps to explain why you produce such excellent poetry.

Thank you for the read and for your poems.

J.

[jgdittier]

Dear Nina,
You've written a poem entitled "Words".
How totally appropriate to choose that short title!
As I see it, along with setting your words in a matrix of quality R&M, you've filled it with important thoughts so tersely put (short lines) that "The Word" becomes powerful. "The Word" simply demands the reader's attention.
Nicely done!
Cheers,    Ron Jones    jgd

[Guest_Nina_*]

Hi J

Yes, I do remember this from last year on BBC-GW. Good to see it here, now.



I like the poem holistically so I won't pick any particular verse, nor phrase. However, Fran's selection is brill.

Thank you

I think the sensitivity to words which you demonstrate in this poem helps to explain why you produce such excellent poetry.

Thank you for the read and for your poems.

oh Gosh.  Thank you seems a bit of an inadequate reply but really, thank you so much for these lovely words and for your helpful encouraging crit of this back on GW

Nina

[Guest_Nina_*]

Hi Ron

You've written a poem entitled "Words".
How totally appropriate to choose that short title!

Thank you

As I see it, along with setting your words in a matrix of quality R&M, you've filled it with important thoughts so tersely put (short lines) that "The Word" becomes powerful. "The Word" simply demands the reader's attention.
Nicely done!

I so chuffed with your words, which coming from an R & M expert means a lot to me.

I hoped that "The Word" would come across as powerful because  I truly believe that words are terrribly powerful.  Used well they can be aspirational, used badly they can be a deadly weapon.  

I remember a saying that I used to be told

"sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me"  As a child I always thought that the saying was a lie and a con, both hurt just as much but in different ways and whereas you recover quite quickly from broken bones, the damage done by words can last forever.

Thanks so much for your kind comments, they are much appreciated.

Nina

[Cleo_Serapis]

Hello Nina.

Sorry I missed this piece when you first posted it. Your message is one we should all bathe ourselves in from time to time as a reminder that words can hurt or heal deeply.  :sun:

What is said can inspire me,
To reach so much higher,
Or kill creativity,
Like water on fire.

How true Nina! Communication can be so difficult based on interpretation.

So speak your truth quietly,
With wisdom and care,
Of others’ sensitivities,
Be always aware.

Solid words of wisdom Nina!

Thank you!

~Cleo  :claps:

[Guest_Nina_*]

Hi Lori

I'm pleased you found this eventually  :grinning:

Thanks for your comments.  People don't realise what an effect the words they say can have on someone.

We should all be sensitive in what we say to others.

Nina

[Aphrodite]

When Cathy posted her poem "Relentless Power" it reminded me of one of the early poems I attempted to write.  Having mentioned it to her in her thread, I thought I would post it on MM.  I have had it critted on another board and for historical reasons I don't really want to revise it further.  

I would, however, appreciate your comments.

Words

Do you know the effect,
Of words thoughtless spoken?
So terribly powerful,
Are the emotions awoken.

What is said can inspire me,
To reach so much higher,
Or kill creativity,
Like water on fire.

Words wrap around me,
So I’m never alone,
Or hurt like a knife,
Cutting sharp to the bone.

See the laughter, the joy,
The anger, the tears,
All churning inside me,
Exposing my fears.

Words wash over me,
Like waves on the beach,
The ripples created,
How far will they reach?

So speak your truth quietly,
With wisdom and care,
Of others’ sensitivities,
Be always aware.

Nina

Hello Nina~

I enjoyed your emotive piece.
Below, I have left suggestions for revision. (because you asked)
Use or lose. ( )=add [ ]=omit

Words

Do you know the effect,
Of (thoughtless words) spoken?
So terribly powerful,
Are [the] emotions awoken(?)

What is said can inspire me,
To reach so much higher,
Or kill creativity,
Like water on fire.

Words wrap around me,
So I’m never alone,
Or (slice) like a knife,
(cutting) sharp to the bone.

See the laughter, the joy,
The anger, the tears,
All churning inside me,
Exposing my fears.

Words wash over me,
Like waves on the beach,
The ripples created,
How far will they reach?

So speak your truth quietly,
With wisdom and care,
Of others’ sensitivities,
Be always aware.

I look forward to reading the finished product!

Blessings~
Lindi

[Guest_Nina_*]

Hi Lindi

Thanks for reading this and commenting. Thanks also for your suggestions though I think you misunderstood me.  I wasn't looking to revise this further as it has already been well critted on another site and I'm happy with it as it is.

Thanks anyway and I'm glad you liked it.

Nina

[Guest_Maxim_*]

Hi Nina

This is a most poignant poem and the point, well made, is well worth making particularly in this age of instant images. For though these pictures may put instant visions of joys and tragedies before us, it is more often the words of those affected, or the words to those affected, that has most impact.

To paraphase an old saying:
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can break my heart

Thanks for sharing.


Maxim

[Guest_Nina_*]

Hi Maxim

thanks for your comments.  I had't heard that phrase before but it is spot on, thanks for telling me about it.  It is so true.

Nina

[Guest_Maxim_*]

Hi Maxim

thanks for your comments.  I had't heard that phrase before but it is spot on, thanks for telling me about it.  It is so true.

Nina

Nina

The actual saying is "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me". It may be a UK saying or just a very old one or both. But it was what parents would teach their young kids to say when they were being called names. - Before they were old enough to know the truth! Hence my paraphrasing.

MaXiM

[Guest_Nina_*]

Hi MaXim

I know very well the actual saying which I always thought was a load of rubbish.  What I meant was that I'd never heard your version which is so much better and I'll have to remember it for the future.

Nina

[Guest_Cathy_*]

Hi Nina,

I don't usually venture into this forum but now I'm glad I did.  I remember you mentioning this poem when I posted Relentless Power.  I'm glad I got to read yours.

Do you know the effect,
Of words thoughtless spoken?
So terribly powerful,
Are the emotions awoken.

I don't think we stop often enough to "think before we speak".  Not realizing the effect of our words we just ramble on.

What is said can inspire me,
To reach so much higher,
Or kill creativity,
Like water on fire.

And so quickly too!

Words wrap around me,
So I’m never alone,
Or hurt like a knife,
Cutting sharp to the bone.

Wouldn't it be nice if we were always concerned with infusing comfort with our words?  The last two lines (not the actual lines since I'd not read this before, but the thoughts behind them) were what inspired my poem.  The devastating pain that can be caused by careless or intentional words.

See the laughter, the joy,
The anger, the tears,
All churning inside me,
Exposing my fears.

Words wash over me,
Like waves on the beach,
The ripples created,
How far will they reach?

How much damage can we cause?  *sad sigh*

So speak your truth quietly,
With wisdom and care,
Of others’ sensitivities,
Be always aware.

Lovely way to wrap up your thoughts!  I'm glad I got to see this.
Cathy

[Guest_Nina_*]

Hi Cathy

I'm really pleased you came in here to read this because your poem Relentless Power dealt with the same notions.

I don't think we stop often enough to "think before we speak".  Not realizing the effect of our words we just ramble on.

Indeed and often nothing is meant by what we say, yet the words can have a powerful effect.

Words wrap around me,
So I’m never alone,
Or hurt like a knife,
Cutting sharp to the bone.

Wouldn't it be nice if we were always concerned with infusing comfort with our words?  The last two lines (not the actual lines since I'd not read this before, but the thoughts behind them) were what inspired my poem.  The devastating pain that can be caused by careless or intentional words.

Absolutely and having been on the receiving end of careless words I know the pain can be deeply felt, long lasting, leaving scars that never truly fade.

So speak your truth quietly,
With wisdom and care,
Of others’ sensitivities,
Be always aware.

Lovely way to wrap up your thoughts!  I'm glad I got to see this

Thanks Cathy
and I'm pleased you like it.

Nina

[jgdittier]

Dear Nina,
This one hit the bullseye!
Cheers,    Ron   jgd

[Guest_Nina_*]

Hi Ron



I'm glad this hit its mark.

thanks for reading  :grinning:

Nina

[Nefertiti]

HUH!  The computer just ate my post, Nina!  WAH!  Well, I guess that was its way of telling me I was doing a bit too much blathering! LOL!  It just plain old dispappeared!  :(

SO, I'll try a condensed version.  GREAT message!  Powerful descriptions.  Awesome analogies.  You rock!  

Big Hugs,
Nef

[Guest_Nina_*]

Hi Nef  :wave:

>N>HUH!  The computer just ate my post, Nina!  WAH!  Well, I guess that was its way of telling me I was doing a bit too much blathering! LOL!  It just plain old dispappeared

Pity the computer ate your post.  I think I might have enjoyed your blathering.  Besides I'm sure it wasn't in the least bit blathery.

>N>SO, I'll try a condensed version.  



>N>GREAT message!  Powerful descriptions.  Awesome analogies.  You rock!

awww, thank you so much.  I'm chuffed you enjoyed it.

Nina

[Guest_poeticpiers_*]

Words are weapons words are tools used alike by wise men and fools

[Guest_Nina_*]

Hi Ivor

>I>Words are weapons words are tools used alike by wise men and fools

Indeed they are and a very poetic reply

Nina

[ArtesiaMeeks]

Nina,

My favorite lines are


Words wrap around me,
So I’m never alone,
Or hurt like a knife,
Cutting sharp to the bone.


I can well relate to them, and I think your poem is a nice read.

AM

[Guest_Nina_*]

Hi AM

My favorite lines are


Words wrap around me,
So I’m never alone,
Or hurt like a knife,
Cutting sharp to the bone.


I can well relate to them, and I think your poem is a nice read

thanks very much.  I'm quite fond of those lines as well.  I'm pleased you enjoyed the read.

Nina

[Guest_poeticpiers_*]

In the beggining was the word
The word initiated all things and words retain thier power today for good or ill.You wisely warn us to think and think again before we speak. A timely reminder today as with the power of technology one person can infect the world with ill chosen lying words.Which may be regarded bythe masses as true because they were seen and heard on T.V.

[Guest_Nina_*]

Hi Ivor


Yes, words are very powerful and can do a lot of damage.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Nina

[Aphrodite]

Hi Nina~

I am pleased to read this once again and enjoy the structure as well as the meaning behind your words.

"Words can cut like a knife!"

Great poem!

Best,
Lindi

[jgdittier]

Dear Nina,
Wheras modern emphasis is on the message, I'm driven by the flow first. That's just me, no suggestion that that's the way we all should be.
When my lawn mower needs a carbutator adjustment and my second son turns the screws accordingly, the engine will go from coughs and groans to a pleasure to the ear and it will
cut better too!
I must put this thought to verse.
This one just purrs and makes its statements clear and concise and just plain hits the bullseye.
My brother came back from visiting England with a set of darts and plenty of experiences in your pubs. Thus I think the bullseye is a good choice.
Nicely done! Cheers, Ron jgd

[Guest_Nina_*]

Hi Ron

It is good to see you on MM again and I hope to read some of your work soon.

Thanks for reading and commenting on this poem. I'm the opposite to you, I will alway go for message first and then flow.

This poem was an important milestone for me in writing and I'm pleased that you feel it flows well and that the message hits home.

Thanks very much.

Nina

[Cleo_Serapis]

Congrats Nina on your wizard award winning tile!

Well done!

~Cleo

[Blank_Canvas]

Nina,
In my opinion this is as powerful as anything I have ever read from you. One of my absolute favorites ! The message is one everyone should take to heart and practice !
Marcia

[Peterpan]

So Nina, you have some more hidden treasures!

This is beautifully written. A beautiful poem.

Thank you for sharing it.

Peterpan

[Guest_Nina_*]

Hi Marcia and Bev

Thanks very much both of you for your kind words on this poem. It is one that means a lot to me as it was the first poem I ever posted on an internet crit site and one of the first I wrote. At the time I had no idea if it was any good or not. I tested the waters with this, to see if it was worth continuing writing or not.

[JustDaniel]

I'd never read this before, Nina...

Eloquent advice!

deLightingly, Daniel

[Guest_Don_*]

Dear Nina,

Among my favorites is:

Or kill creativity,
Like water on fire.

As to broken bones and name calling, some bones never heal well and most that do wait for weather and age to remind. The impact of words should always reflect the source. Careless persons tend to speak carelessly. Those whom have least respect for words are ignorant of what they truely say.

Consider the trivial, depending on your viewpoint, attempt in U.S. this season to subvert Christmas by substituting holiday on premise of not offending non-Christians. Well, don't consider offending Christians because they are in a forgiving mood this Christmas season.

Be of great cheer the ability to hear
the good and bad words sprinkled here,
and to endear those spoken we revere.

Don

[Guest_Nina_*]

Thanks very much Daniel and Don

Don - As a non-Christian I don't understand this crazy notion of subverting Christmas by substituting holidays so as not to offend those who don't celebrate. What a load of nonsense. They try things like that over in UK. It's political correctness gone mad. Besides a lot of non-Christians I know have Christmas trees, Christmas dinner, Christmas presents. People of all religions (or none) should be able to live together, respect and celebrate each other's festivals. Lets all enjoy Christmas, Diwahli, Channukah, Chinese New Year etc.