Beyond the Words

Regular visitors to "Chosen Words" know that I often discuss ... in far too much detail, I'm afraid ... a particular poem's origins ... what it was that prompted me to write a particular piece in a particular way.

That can be interesting sometimes ... and even helpful to the reader.

But hindsight tells me that I frequently overdo it. I hope to avoid that today by simply presenting the poem. Oh, if it happens to resonate in a certain way with you ... if it takes on a special meaning as you read it ... I'd certainly be glad to hear about that.

It's sometimes helpful to know what the readers feel I've said, rather than ... or in addition to ... what I think I've said.

Meanwhile:

 

BEYOND THE WORDS

I was born hungry for words

that tempted me like popcorn

on a string, rested lightly,

melted sweetly on my tongue.

 

I grubbed them out, devoured

them, savored their aftertaste,

grew in vision as their images

nourished and sustained me.

 

Now, lulled by the puffed up,

empty words I'm fed each day,

I sleep fitfully, wake up starved,

not for words, but for meaning.

© 2005

(published in the November, 2005, issue of Poem) 

Today's word: hungry