words are living things

poets have no more control over words than anyone else

words are living things

unpredictable and fluid

poets, like conductors,

may rein them in and place them in their sections,

bringing them together in unique ways

until they’re in perfect tune

making them look pretty on paper

but words are living things

when people tell me that i have a way with words,

i say, no, words have always had their way with me

words are living things

breathing, writhing, trembling things

that get caught in my throat

except when i cage them on paper

God taught us long ago that words have spectacular power

simply speaking brings creations into existence

but we forget

as we burn down cities with our lips

words are living things

you can feel them as the gust of wind in your sails

or knocking the wind right out of you

my daughter doesn’t like my poetry

says the words are too butterfly-y

now if i could tame butterflies and have them flit over the page,

that would be something special

but i’m no anne sparrow

who makes you forget about gravity as you read

and knows all the butterflies’ secrets

no, my words are far too heavy

words are living things

and i’m very quiet

i’ve learned the hard way that less is more

that some things are better left unsaid

to pause, to breathe, to weigh the words before they

leave my tongue

i’m learning

to not leave scars

where there were none

but i’m not perfect

and words will always be my greatest weapons

just as they are yours

just as you are learning that

words are living things

filling lungs that have forgotten

how to breathe with air

or sucking the life right out of them

you choose

providing hope or taking it away

words are living things

breathing, writhing, trembling things

that get caught in my throat

except when i cage them on paper

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*any tips i receive here will be used to send portable hope to those struggling with their mental health, so thank you for your support <3