{ pathetic.org }
 

unclaimed property

by Sandy M. Humphrey

the problem with words,
beautiful and charming
scary or articulate as they
may be is they belong
to us so temporarily

only as long as we hold
onto them rolling them
around in our minds
on our tongues
storing up in souls

building towers
alphabetizing and sorting
nouns here, verbs over there
cherishing them lovingly
or feeding them ravenously

until we can no longer hold
them in the well and we
release them in poems
sentences or phrases
we hope someone else finishes

once released they become
the property of perspective
and all that we meant to say
may be lost in the heart or ear
of reader or person who hears

what we so carefully or carelessly
let loose so we follow with more
words hoping all are not
misconstrued and left unclaimed
in the lost and found

11/17/2008

Author's Note: "When I use a word,' Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, 'it means just what I choose it to mean - neither more nor less." Lewis Carroll I am constantly being challenged by the perspective of what is heard not what it is I say.

Posted on 11/17/2008
Copyright © 2024 Sandy M. Humphrey

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by Mary Frances Spencer on 11/17/08 at 11:48 PM

Well said! that's why we are here, to let those words loose on the page (screen) of expression! MFS

Posted by George Hoerner on 11/18/08 at 01:38 AM

Very nice Samdy. This holds so many things I feel and believe. Nicely done lady.

Posted by Olivia Martin on 11/18/08 at 03:07 AM

I found myself nodding at the veracity of your words through each stanza. Great pen(wo)manship - can't wait to read more of your words.

Posted by Bruce W Niedt on 11/18/08 at 03:18 AM

I love how this poem just about spills over with its own words and thoughts, brilliantly echoing the message. You've hit a homer here, sweetie! d:-)

Posted by Quentin S Clingerman on 11/20/08 at 02:30 AM

Insightful look at the use of words. Especially with poetry the reader brings his/her own experience and perspective. Attempting to be clear may seem murky to others. But we keep trying don't we?

Return to the Previous Page
 

pathetic.org Version 7.3.2 May 2004 Terms and Conditions of Use 0 member(s) and 2 visitor(s) online
All works Copyright © 2024 their respective authors. Page Generated In 0 Second(s)