Words Matter

The National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) sponsors National Words Matter Week, a free celebration of the written word, held annually during the first full week in March. They have invited all bloggers to write on the idea that "words matter" during this week. Here are my thoughts:

I have savored words that capture and enchant the imagination:

A fallen flower
Returning to the branch?
It was a butterfly.

Moritake

I have shaken my fist, then hung my head, before words that sober me to realities I wish to see erased—but only if it's easy. Like genocide . . . poverty . . . war

I have cherished words that heal. Words of God that sometimes show up in human form. Like mercy and compassion and grace.

I have been embarrassed for words that are used as ornament when they should be the foundation. Like collaboration and community. I wish to reclaim them.

I have mourned the abuse of words. I have scratched to no avail at labels slapped on to mask the truth. Like communism—a sure way to silence so many calls for social justice. I have exchanged sad glances with words used to turn off thought. Like patriotism and faith—words used to stifle all questions when their power lies in nurturing inquiry. I will be faithful to them.

For words, I have done my little bit to defend meaning, to hold fast to words whose powers are being lost through carelessness—like respect . . . belief . . . love.

In words, I have heard the music—shimmer, silence, lovely—seen the radiance—dawn, springtime, eternity—shivered and flushed—exquisite, glorious, poignant, transformation—tasted the nectar and smelled the blossoms—poetry, prayer, peace.

To words, I raise a toast of light and warmth.

Yes, words matter.