Words

I have written a poem since fourth grade. That poem was about winter and was appropriately titled "Winter." It was probably part of an assignment for school. Apparently it was worthy of publication because it was chosen to be printed in the student newsletter. OK, so that might not be saying much but hey, it's something.

With so much going on in my life, I have been thinking a lot. For me, that's never really a good think. I tend to over-analyze things. Or maybe I don't. Maybe that is just the way things really are. Hard to say. One thing I have come to realize is the effect that words have on me. Actions I can ignore. Words hit me hard. They bring out every emotion. Perhaps it's the librarian in me. So, surprisingly after not much thought, I was able to put into words just how powerful words really are. I posted it on FB and am posting it here. Will anyone read it? Who knows. It's really more for me than anyone else anyway. But maybe someone will see it and give thought to what they say or write before they do.

There is nothing more powerful than words.
Words strengthen love and provoke hate.
Words destroy peace and end wars.
Words bring a smile to your face and tears to your eyes.
Words build faith and create questions.
Words take you places you've never been and those you wish you could return to.
Words inspire, teach, placate, motivate, persuade and manipulate.
Words define who you are and how others perceive you.
Words are communication.
Choose wisely the words you use. For words cannot be taken back.
Consider carefully the ones you don't. For words not spoken often lead to regret.
There is nothing more powerful than words.