Words!
They can be so damned powerful, or they can just be a collection of letters unique only in their mundane nature.
Let me share the lyrics from a song titled “Ghosts” by the late, great songwriter Dan Fogelberg.
“Ghosts”
Sometimes, in the night I feel it
Near as my next breath
and yet, untouchable
Silently the past comes stealing
Like the taste of some forbidden sweet
Along the walls; in shadowed rafters
Moving like a thought through haunted atmospheres
Muted cries and echoed laughter
Banished dreams that never sank in sleep
Lost in love and found in reason
Questions that the mind can find no answers for
Ghostly eyes conspire treason
As they gather just outside the door…
Every ghost that calls upon us
Brings another measure in the mystery
Death is there
To keep us honest
And constantly remind us we are free
Down the ancient corridors
And through the gates of time
Run the ghosts of days
That we left behind
Unbelievable! I have listened to that song now for thirty-five years and I still get goose-bumps when I hear it because of those powerful words. The same is true of some books I’ve read. No matter how many times I read them, they still manage to fill me with awe.
Words!
How many speeches have you heard in your lifetime? I would venture to guess I’ve heard hundreds, if not one thousand, but there are only five, six, maybe seven I actually remember, and I remember those because of their unique words, their special phrasing, and yes, the way they deliver a
particular message.
Words!
I know I risk sounding corny, but I believe writers have a responsibility to deliver a message, or deliver a story, or deliver a poem, in the most powerful way possible.
There is more than enough mundane in this world.
There is more than enough half-assed boring in this world.
What we need more of is meaningful and powerful.
Just a random thought from an old man.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
Love this and probably why I still listen to many songs from the 60s and 70s as I find the words are just very powerful from some of the greats back then and still speak to me many years later. Thanks for the reminder here and Happy Tuesday now!! 🙂
You are an old soul, Janine! Just one reason why I like you so much.
Thanks a ton, my friend, and another Happy Tuesday to you.
I love your random thoughts Bill. Keep them coming.
Thanks Greg! I shall do that my friend.
Well, Bro, you know that this lantern Carrier will most certainly support your argument. Long live our kind!
Long live our kind for sure, my friend! Thank you!
Ah, never underestimate the power of a well-written piece. I try to keep it in mind. Right now I am struggling with words and ideas. An ongoing battle to be respectful of words.Thanks for writing.
It will come to you, Kathy. Be patient my friend, and thank you!
Hello Bill – You offer so much to think about. Of course all those that find their way here will agree. Words, strong words, well spoken have an impact. That is the Holy Grail for writers. Or at least I think so.
Thank you Mike! You, my friend, are a powerful writer!
You’re so right: words can be used in incredible ways and coming to think of it, I can only remember snippets of speeches I’ve heard over the years. I’m sucker for inspirational speeches, too, and I feel all inspired listening to them, but somehow that feeling wanes pretty quickly after listening. Especially when it’s not “live” and it’s a video or a recording. Fascinating. Which also tells me that “not live” will always be more difficult to convey a point rather than “live.” Hmm…good food for thought. 🙂
Interesting perspective, Lil Sis, and I tend to agree with you for the most part…of course, I have a dream has withstood the test of time and “live vs not live,” but few others do.
Hugs my friend,and forever thanks
Word…
Words, after spoken
memorized or swaying in the air
saturate our spirit
and never return back
without attain their full meaning.
Look at you, Michael my friend, turning poetic on me. Beautiful comment, my friend. Beautiful!
You are so right! There is so much wrong with the world needs more words of encouragement and inspiration if we are ever going to change. As writers, our words are like seeds planted in the garden of life, waiting for readers to nurture them perhaps into a movement.
Perfectly stated, Donna! Thank you for that inspiration!
To parady a Gandhi, phrase, we writers truly are the change we want to see.
Bill, I get what you mean about delivering meaning and power. But what if you just want to provide a bit of fun and escapism from the mundane world. Does that count for anything?
Zulma, fun and escapism are powerful in their own right, don’t you think? I sure think so. Anything which takes us from the mundane for even a few minutes is powerful in my mind.
Point taken. I like books that make me think, but I also enjoy books where I can just sit back and enjoy the ride. 🙂
Me too, Zulma! I have to shut off my brain from time to time and immerse myself in pure entertainment.
Why do people rarely write lyrics like that anymore? I’m an old fogey, too, and like listening to BBC Radio 2 when cooking the dinner every evening. The majority of the songs are golden oldies, whether they’re pop, jazz, blues, or folk. I particularly love folk music as the words are so brilliant and often tell a story.
Anyway, yes, I can’t deal with the mundane. This morning, while out walking the dog, my son and I were agreeing how difficult it is for both of us to engage in mundane conversations and that quite a lot of people are really, really boring. Some are not so boring if you get to know them, but some … I’m yawning, just thinking about them. To write down such conversations in a novel (unless in a satirical context) would surely send the average reader to sleep.
Exactly, Sarah! I like you more each day. There are some people who are incredibly boring,mundane, and downright silly with their insignificant comments. I can’t be bothered talking to people about mundane matters…my time is too valuable. That may sound snobbish but so be it.
Happy Saturday dear friend!
Not snobbish at all. Bill. Just sensible. As you say, time is too valuable.