((I wrote this after an extended blog conversation with another talented poet friend of mine about the limits of the written word and language. As good/succinct/clear as a writer strives to be, there always exists the possibility of misunderstanding, and that can be very frustrating! She inspired it (Thanks again, E!), and rather than use an image for this one, I think it’s more appropriate to let the words do the talking this time…))
Thick as the speed of clotted thoughts,
This language suffices;
A cumbersome tool.
Experience sought (and bought)
The sacrifices
That made wiser men
From ignorant fools.
Words escape.
You. Me.
They cannot be caught,
Yet aren’t quite free,
For every one comes attached to a thought,
And for every action,
It was birthed in naught but
Electrical energy —
Brain waves of….what?
Symbols understood, with meaning,
But none can accurately catch the dreaming,
Teeming shores of what it means to live.
Sensation lingers in the mind’s mouth,
Tasting phrases.
Sifting variations of description,
Through this medium’s sieve.
It still lacks
The richness of the moment’s impact.
In fact,
It’s amazing communication takes place.
Limited as we are,
By our lack
Of (understanding)
The rigidity of moving back
And forth,
Through
Time
and
Space.
Seeking to capture a feeling,
A sight,
To explain human nature —
Thus, stealing it, right?
We take from experience,
And categorize.
We label our labors,
And ceaselessly prize the “Hows“,
And “Whys”,
But Language,
The bridge of the written word…
*sighs*
Though inadequate,
Sometimes succeeds,
And we’re “heard”.
~ C.L.R ~ © 2009
~ Dragon's Dreams ~ 
i’ve thought on this SO much … guess comes down to purpose. and then asking myself if am serving ‘greater goods’ or my own selfish need to blather-on. *smiles* communication is part of not being that island … of being a part of something rather than that singular event.
what we do with it …. like any tool ….. is what makes the difference.
and us and the language is sort of a “for richer or poorer” isn’t it? like we’re married to our native-language no matter it’s tendency for illogical constraints. 🙂 i like your positive-spins as an eye-opener to my ‘negative’ considerations.
somewhere or somehow, i got into always looking for the problem. but when it’s a matter of power, the biggest problem can be the sore attitude.
i love the flow you worked-into this, btw. almost a sing-song *sigh* to it. grace. you my dear, are the artist. i am more mathematician and part parrot. 🙂
You know, you’re right that it’s just a tool and what matters is how we utilize it. 🙂 I’m glad that you haven’t stopped thinking about it. I haven’t either. Thanks for the compliments! Don’t sell yourself short, though – mathematician and partial parrot you may be, but you are without a doubt an artist of the highest caliber!
I dare not pretend, comprehending this thought,
for foolish I’d be, assuming to know what is sought.
To simply write, my mind floats at will…
words perpetual flowing, at the “Will of the Quill”
😀 That’s it exactly! Sometimes I think the floating mind more accurately captures the feelings and thoughts better than any analyzing could ever do.
Cerebral, well-penned, swift-moving Narrative. Great piece, Dragon. Much to ponder on. Your mind works fast, but it’s still in poetry 😉
(by the way I run a group for constructive crit, it’s a creative, collaborative environment of poets who are interested in honing their craft through honest feedback – we learn a great deal from each other – pats on the back are nice but they don’t help me learn. If you’re interested, the link’s on my blogroll, the group’s called Facial Expression Poetry Circle… I think you’d fit it 🙂
Peace
Luke
Wow, thank you so much, Luke! I did not expect such high praise, as I consider you much more talented than me when it comes to poetry. 😀 And I am in agreement with you when it comes to bettering oneself in the craft – ego strokes are nice, but I, too, learn more when given constructive critique(s)…which I understand are not always roses and rainbows. I truly appreciate the invite and will check it out. I may lurk at first, just to get a feel, if that’s acceptable.
But Language,
The bridge of the written word …
the words you write are a bridge
to wisdom and experience!
Thanks for visiting me,
always a pleasure to have you
at my place!
Thank you, Blaga. 🙂 I’m sorry I haven’t been visiting more often lately. I will try my best to catch up over the weekend!
words are limited but oftentimes it’s too much for me. like this one, deep 🙂
Thanks so much, spoon! 🙂
And your communication is full of delicious thought– nicely written!
Oh, thank you for such a nice comment! 🙂
nice dragon and thanks for popping by..
Thanks, fiveloaf! 🙂
Words escape.
You. Me.
They cannot be caught,
Yet aren’t quite free,
For every one comes attached to a thought,
And for every action,
It was birthed in naught but
Electrical energy —
Brain waves of….what?
I love these lines! You describe the complexity of conversation well using excellent rhythm and rhyme. 🙂
🙂 Thank you very much!
this is so nicely written. well done.
Thank you. 🙂
beautiful thoughts
on words.
well done.
A++