If I could show you how a word can grow
into a thorn that finds its home within
the softest places of the hardest men,
you wouldn't be so quick to let one go.
In silences, defenseless and alone,
security and self-esteem descend;
ambitions cease and aspirations bend
as product of a fatal verbal blow.
If I could show you how a word can rise -
bring laughter, bring excitement, bring rapport,
bring nations out of poverty and war -
perhaps your speech would seek a different guise.
What problems of this world could be deterred
if we revered the value of a word?
Author notes
Published in Oak Bend Review, Oracle, & Pirene's Fountain.
In a list
- Favourites • next in list
- Published Poetry • next in list
- ~ Their Writing ... My Reverence ~ • next in list
A contest entry
- PROVE YOU'RE WORTHY OF MY POINTS by EmeraldDaze.
480 points, ended June 5, 2007, 60 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Best Poem You Have Ever Written by Cherokee.
300 points, ended July 31, 2008, 36 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 87 of 87
-
Having read this, it, I find is superb. and rwading the line "perhaps your speech would seek a different guise." I feel I should do that very thing, having read this. I am feeling quite inferior reading this and out of my depth, well done, it's gold, gold, gold. well done.
-
Wonderful poem, Corey. Those first three lines held my eyes captive - so much within them! You've shown us the power of a word (of words) here...the only thing we can't take back. But of course there are good and soft words too...like in this poem. Thoroughly enjoyed the depth of your words. This is one of those poem that lingers and stays with the reader!
~ Nicolette
-
A commendable piece, Corey. Flawless metre and profoundly expressed. It's a trial to pick a favourite line or section of this, though I loved the imagery in the lines:
"If I could show you how a word can grow
into a thorn that finds its home within
the softest places of the hardest men,"
Indeed, we can be affected in vastly varying ways by words from without, and it is in solitude's space when we feel them deepest and with most affect, as we brood on them without distractions while they echo and bore deeper within us. Thankfully there are good words aired across this world, no less, to counter those shadow-spoken.The power and import of words cannot be underestimated ...
-
This was a very good poem! I enjoyed readin this. It was very nicely done. You are going on to round 2. Thanks so much for entering and best of luck to you in the contest.
-
omg i love that poem your the first guy that i ever met that wrights poems
-
inspiring.
I think the impact of this whole piece is the rhetorical question itself.
At what time has one human being not asked themselves if only that word had been defined, would I/you/they have understood?
I like the whole concept of the piece. One word is powerful enough to change a life. But, I don't think that's it is just the word but understanding the definition in your mind and in your heart that can, how do you put it?:
"bring laughter, bring excitement, bring rapport,
bring nations out of poverty and war -"
great thought process. this piece is what poetry is about. A lot to say, a lot to think... in a little tid bit.
Thank you for sharing. Truly, thank you for the thoughts.
-
This is an amazing and down right astonishing piece of poetry that speaks volumes not only to the readers but to the nations. Bravo my dear friend . I loved this as I do most of your work. I always know when I come here to read I will never be disapointed!
huggles
Lena
-
hmm
i dont know what more to say than that this is amazing
ive been fortunate to read some very well written pieces today, but this one i have to say is the best today
-
Wow. Calm down there.
This was amazing. Beautiful. Definitely deserving of two brutal contests' gold. Prittee trophies. 
Congratulations!!
Write on!
~*~SP~*~
-
fantastic.
-
WOW!
Very impressive! I'm speechless. A trophy well deserved Looking forward to reading more of your work.
-
Divine Brilliance.
First of all I would like to say the flow was perfectly penned, and penned inhearts promises of silenced metaphors. This was a breathtakingly beautiful piece that was laced beautiful with suffocating emotion and truths that ring true even to the inexperienced souls. It was one of those writes where you become the author for a fragment of time just enough to see, know, feel, and become addicted and then it throws you out of it leaving you soulless and rendering your own painful memories empty. To the point where all yo ucan remember is what you just read. This was thought provoking, inspirational, enthralling, and very insightful. Great job hun.
-
Great piece, and very thought provoking.
-
Stunning...
and absolutely beautiful. Truly one of the best poems I have ever read and definitely one of my new favorites. It has a feeling of sadness to it but an underlying hope which I absolutely love.
-
so beautiful
-
this is powerfull , & a great write
-
probably one of the most powerful and inspirational pieces ive read on this site so far. sometimes rhyme can get in the way of a poem...but not at all in your case. beautiful and every word was perfect.
-
I'm sure ...
I'm already commented on this, but I thought I'd mention that I do occasionally write Petrarchean sonnets with a rhyming couplet myself. Nice to see you have such a devoted following.
-
The design of this is remarkable; is this a special form? You've had so many comments that I don't suppose I can say anything new; however, I felt pleasure at the compact nature of the discussion you are having: it is tight and bright. I'm glad I looked you up again, after your latest comment. Thanks for sharing this. I wish you would share more!
Lita
-
Love the way you use a simple "WORD" that could bring so much to a person..
great write..
my favourite lines " If I could show you how a word can rise -
bring laughter, bring excitement, bring rapport,
bring nations out of poverty and war -"
well done
-
yes this is so powerful and full of strength
two words [ Love It ]
Blessings
Rend
-
Top 5 Greatest
Words really are a powerful thing, huh? If there was something higher then gold, you would have won it.
-
Oi! will you donate a trophy to me you have two golds na
well. you wrote it exceptionally fantastic,
by
the poet of hearts and beautiful words
-
Lovely :D
-
Awsome!!!
Great work!!!!!!!! You give guys a whole new outlook when it comes to poetry! -
i really realy really loved this.
i can tell that you deserved both of thsoe gold trophys. (:
you have talent! -
wow, I am weighing my words now. Words once spoken can't be taken back. I love this!!
-
I am really touched by the message in this poem. Hopefully many will read it and consider it's weighty value.
-
Cool
cool poem. I like it -
Wow
Amazingly good, everything flows so well. You are very talented. I love "If I could show you how a word can rise" that is my favorite part. Sometimes I feel like my writing means nothing, but I have found that to certain people it means everything to them.. Kepp writing, this was very well written. -
With words we can build up, and with words we can tear down...you are a wise young man! I loved this! Pam
-
If I could show you how a word can grow
into a thorn that finds its home within
the softest places of the hardest men
I enjoyed reading this, really made me reflect a bit!
Your wise with words, I can see!
Words, either positive or negative have left mark on man...Very interesting piece.
~Kimberly~
-
hey
that was so amazing!
-
Very Good! ^_~
-
I love this!
Very intelligent and thoughtful.
I particularly enjoy the form, having the negative first and the positive second. Both are developed wonderfully!
I think I may need to read some more your work. -
wow...you really took the saying
"the power of ones tongue"
and really broke it down.
i really like this poem. its very well written.
your a fantastic writer and im going to
read some more your stuff.
*ajayy -
this is very good i like the ideas behind it and everything is said so beautiful..
my favorite part
"In silences, defenseless and alone,
security and self-esteem descend,"
very good
-
this is very good. it has a great flow, and the content is deep, and well thought out. congrats on the two golds both well deserved. take care,
Stephanie ♥
-
Bravo! such a wonderful write with though provoking images.. you really did a wonderful job.. Thank you very much for sharing.
Angel
-
Great wisdom
-
Wow
Beautiful, wistful, with hope.
-
This is amazing. There is so much beauty in it. It's surprising how one word can affect everything we ever Knew. This is hard to pick out any part. You display yourself well in this poem. And I know for a fact your words have an impression on me thank you.
-
Yupz only a word, how a word can create eternal love and at the same moment how a word can grow hatred, its all depend on us, how we take care of our words.
nice write, no no
Brilliant.
by
the poet of hearts and beautiful words
-
Hi, a very beautiful poem and so true, Di
-
i just have to know... is the word love? hate?
i gotta know!
i really loved a lot of this poem, but my favorite part was:
If I could show you how a word can rise -
bring laughter, bring excitement, bring rapport,
bring nations out of poverty and war -
perhaps your speech would seek a different guise.
What problems of this world could be deterred
if we revered the value of a word?
this is a very inspiring and thought provoking line.
and you gotta tell me:
what is the word!????
:] xoxojane -
Great flow, profound and simple...
-
worthy
of the gold you were awarded!
What problems of this world could be deterred
if we revered the value of a word?
amen to that! -
Wonderful
Lovely flow, enjoyed reading this poem -
GREAT POEM
-
Unique ... discription of words here.....
-
this was a pleasure to read
-
excellent
I liked this a lot... of course my name is WordsDoMatter, how could I not like it. I wasn't crazy about the word "succor" - not a word I ever have used... but that doesn't mean it doesn't belong. I liked the way you personalized a "word." Of course, "The Word" is a personal (Biblical) reference. Nice work, and congrats. - Kevin
-
I think you really deserved the tow golds you have won, this is an extra-special poem and so true and doesn't truth make the best poetry?
-
Young poet
A wonderful write indeed. I am so glad Sidera pointed me in your direction. Ye the beauty of words often lost to a deaf ear. But never to the reader of excellent poetry.
-
Delighful
to see an such wisdom in an fine, and unusual sonnet form. Very pleased, in less than 24 hours on this site, to find such a fine wordsmith. Let your words continue to rise!
-
Wonderfully written. You've created a lovely piece here and demonstrated the true value of word. Congratulations on your win and thanks for sharing.
-
Just lovely
Your poetic talent glows the moment you begin to read this. Such a smooth flow of the pen, I felt drawn into the softness of this write. You send an important message without anger giving this piece a sense of integrity in the demeanour of your expression. The form works well and your rhyme is unforced. The is nothing to critique, leaving me to simply say...Superb write...alby
-
Excellent write I can see why you got the gold!
"What problems of this world could be deterred
if we revered the value of a word? "
what more needs be said?
-
great write
easily flows and written very well.
perceptive and it shows how powerful a word can be, particularly when we are lonely, it can take hold. words and the quality of the tone delivered is a becoming of.
Thanks for your entry.
best wishes,
Isabella
-
I love this. I've lived my life with words being the primary instrument of my soul's expression, and maybe they never affected others, or maybe they have, but they affected me. They've allowed me to sculpt my life experiences into something I can see after, it's happened. This is where this took me.
-
Cogratulations~~this is wonderful.
Saffron
-
Oh, this is so well penned. Congratulations, indeed.
-
Congratulations ...
maybe this will be your jumping off point. At least one can hope so. -
congrats
al
-
-
-
I say this with all honesty..
I hate you.
My God, this poem is terrific, profound, vital, exceptional.
So with that being said, I hate you.
Audrey Palmer
aka rubyvaroom
-
This is the one I was talking about. Was it previously published? If not, I want it!!!!!
-
Oh! This is so true
and so wonderful to read the way you have it here.
-------------
-
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your poem~ Keep up the good work~ Good luck to you in the contest!
-
Wow, I really liked this poem. So very true too. This left me truly "speechless." This poem deserves more of a comment, but I just don't know what to say. Thank you for entering my contest.
-
Yes.
Funny, on rereading this, how much it reminds me of my father, who was sarcastic and violent. Oh well, life goes on.
-
Awww....
Words truly can work miracles....the smallest;even simplest of them can work wonders....
Inspiring piece!!!
-
Truth reigns...
I love this poem. I've been the slinger of such vitriol (intended and unintended) as well as on the other end of such abuse. Luckily I was shown the ugliness of it all and given the Grace to change. Words are indeed powerful. I think if everyone knew the truth of what this poem expresses and applied it to their own lives, the world would be that much closer to what God originally intended. Beautiful work.
-
I love reading your work. I wish I could meet you. But I don't see Alabama in my near future. Great write, as always.
Katy
-
Every stanza stands alone..
In silences, defenseless and alone,
security and self-esteem descends,
ambitions cease and aspirations bend
as product of a fatal verbal blow.
I personally liked the comparative technique between the hazards of a lashing word, and the gentle breezes it -the same word- can emit.
A very well-done italian sonnet,
I am in love with sonnets, especially the English form.
Be well,
RD.
-
awesome
This is a wonderful writing that holds the grain of truth that could change the world. One word, that is all it takes to move mountains, save souls and change the world. You did an awesome job on this one.
-
i really like this poem its really goof keep up the good work cory
-
hi this is amazing your words every thing well done i want more lolz
-
I think we all can value these words.
-
Truth
a very nice poem. its true that however, sadly, words can do alot of damage. if used by the right people in the right ways, they can help all sorts of problems. you obviuosly have the skill to solve problems with your words
Great Write and God Bless
Pastoral Poet
Ben B. -
Ah!
I must say I like this one best so far. I am such a "word" Person. I take the essence of a word and dissect it to its finest particle then let it fly out into the firmament to attach itself to other floating words.
The message here is stellar. The lines that leaped from the page into my spirit;
"What problems of this world could be deterred
if we revered the value of a word?"
Those two lines rounded the poem off with a graciously solid ending. Truer words have yet to be spoken (written),
The language usage astute. The meter and flow are lyrical. I especially like this one for sure. I am so awestruck by people who write sonnets that sing. This is one of those.
Much Love ♥
Renee
-
In deed they can. Build a heart up high as a mountain,or sink it to the abyss of blackness beyond imaginings.Wonderful piece and worthty of rereading as a reminder to us all.~~Suseann
-
thought-full sonnet
Corey, I can see that you are going to go places that the average man doesn't ... Very nice example of another Italian sonnet and more so the concept of it all that was buried within and yet available to astuteness! I am impressed with your ability to feel a softness within your spirit and would venture to say that you are close to your Mother, who also must be a wonderful lady! Did I get it? joy
-
Beautiful sonnet, ending perfectly with enough expression to tease the eyes. Lovely way to word the piece with the notes, by the way.
-
Polished poem
Nicely worked-out, Corey--you seem to have a natural affinity with the sonnet form.
Cheers,
Bill -
wow, a very though provoking poem, it started like it was going to be a personal poem about a loved ones icy tongue but you ran with it and it worked. the pen is mightier than the sword but if I had to choose one to accidentally sit on it would be the biro every time!
-
One of your finest. I can't remember verbatim, but was this the identical repost or has it been tweaked? It's been a while since my last read.
Adding your comment:
1 - 87 of 87
