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Emily Dickinson poem. Where do words go after they are said?

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I’m a big fan of short, meaningful poems. Long poems are wonderful too, but I don’t have the patience to wade through pages of poetry. Maybe if I had more time to read without constantly getting interrupted by my kids, I may learn to enjoy the longer ones. In the meantime, my search for short poems persists.

If you’re running low on time but need a poetry boost, this short poem may help. I hope you enjoy this contemplative and thought-provoking poem. By parsing her words, she writes the essentials of what a “word” can do after it is spoken.

“A word is dead”

by Emily Dickinson

A word is dead
When it is said,
Some say.

I say it just
Begins to live
That day.
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Categories: poetry

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singlikewildflowers

Welcome to my blog! My name is Esther and I'm so happy you are here. I'm an avid nature photographer and a daydreaming thinker. My posts revolve around photos of nature's beauty, homeschooling adventures with my 2 kids, sporadic reflections on my child's heart condition, Bible reading reflections, gardening feats, and other mish mash things. Hopefully you'll leave encouraged, pensive, or smiling at the simple things of life. Thank you for stopping by and hope you'll find some interesting posts to read!

14 replies ›

  1. Thanks for sharing, Esther. I’ve been enjoying poems once again of late, whether long or short. My all-time favorite poem is ‘Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening’ by Robert Frost.

    I trust that all’s well with you, my friend. Blessed rest of the week to you and God’s sweet peace.

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    1. Hi Diana! I’m glad you are revisiting poems these days. One of my favorite poems is “Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening.” Last December, I had the kids memorize that poem as it was part of their reading curriculum. Thought it would give them confidence to learn a famous poem by heart. I don’t know if they still remember it though.
      There’s a beautiful book of this poem and its verses illustrated by Susan Jeffers with a special parchment-like cover that makes it look like snow. If you get a chance, check it out.
      Yes, I am doing well and taking each day as best as I can. Some are better than others, but God’s encouragement keeps me going. I hope you are well too and staying healthy!

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      1. Yes, it’s such a beautiful poem that can be interpreted in many ways. I actually have a post in draft with my thoughts. Maybe one day, I’ll get around to posting it. Ooh, sounds lovely! I’ll have to check it out.

        Lovely to hear! No matter where we might be or what we’re going through, once we keep our eyes on Jesus, it gets s going. I am well, thank you, my friend. Just slowly easing my way back into blogging. Here’s to a blessed weekend and may God’s presence continue to bring you comfort and peace. 💙

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      2. Thank you Diana for your sweet comment! I do hope you publish your post on the Frost poem.
        Yes, let’s keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and hold fast to Him. My Bible study group just finished up studying I John and one of the book’s main purpose is to proclaim that Jesus=eternal life. Because of his sacrifice, we are called God’s children. It’s a short book but jam packed with what it means to be a believer and to not let the world consume our hearts. We were really blessed through it.
        I hope you are doing well and healthy! Jerry must be a big kitty now.
        God bless you and take care. 🙂

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      3. You’re welcome, my friend. I’ll try to do so in the right time. That sure was a great and blessed study! I’m so thankful for Him.

        I am well, thank you, my friend, and I trust that you are as well. Jerry is quite big now. He’ll be a year next month end God’s willing, so I’ll post a photo for his birthday. Thank you, and same to you, my friend. God’s peace.

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      4. Diana, thank you so much! I’m happy that you enjoyed the study. Same here…thankful for God in our lives. Life would be void.
        Yes, would love to see Jerry’s photo for his birthday. He must be a big cat now.
        Have a wonderful and blessed week! Keep hanging onto Jesus. Hugs…

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    1. Same here. It’s a wonder how poets use and play with words!
      I like the picture too…something about the colors and simple image. I found the picture on Pexel and knew I had to use it for my post.
      Have a happy Easter weekend and take care! Hugs from CA.

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      1. I liked that picture too – very soothing. I’ve never been good at poetry, though I like to do some fun rhymes and have done a few for Christmas blog posts. Hope your Easter weekend was as special as you are Esther. P.S. – Did the Easter Bunny bring teddy bears as well as candy?

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      2. I enjoy reading your poems!! I used to dabble in it in high school, but it’s not my strongpoint. Reading them is better for me. lol
        Easter weekend was very mellow and got pizza for Easter dinner. Yes, both kids got new plush friends as you saw in my other post. It was funny you mentioned it in the comments here. You know we love them stuffed animals!
        I will have to see if the Jurassic drive thru will stop by our area. We would love to go and see what it’s all about. Thanks for updating me on that event…

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      3. I liked doing a little poetry for fun … I have to do one for Christmas this year again as it was fun writing it. Mellow is good for Easter … you have a busy life Esther … good to chill out a little. I liked the plush friends … I hope it comes to California for you to drive through.

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      6. Different life stages make you experience bunch of different emotions! My MIL says, “I’ve been young once, but have you been old before?” It’s much better expressed in Korean, but it’s saying that older people have experienced youth and are going through new experiences that the younger generation does not know about. I hope that makes sense: it’s a vague explanation and I’, not sure if I completely understand it myself.
        Yes, I’m adventurous in my mind and aspirations but following through on them takes longer times to decide. I appreciate my younger days and I’m learning to embrace this season.

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