© by Karen D. 1997
All Rights Reserved

IN   SEARCH   OF   WORDS

by Karen D. aka DakotaRose

  Words.   The single most powerful weapon mankind has at his disposal.   More powerful than the guns or bombs that man has invented to defend or attack that which he cherishes and wishes to possess.  Words have brought war and words have brought peace.

We strive to master words from the moment we are born.   From the coos and smiles that communicate simple needs to the first attempts to form sounds.   That very first "ma ma" begins a veritable word explosion for a young child.  Day by day new words are added broadening their ability to communicate with the world.

Oh the beauty and the wonder of it all and yet.   Funny how appropriate a pause seems after such a word.   Yet.   Everyone should listen to a writer read his or her work, especially poetry or a speech.   They know when to pause and breath and when to stop to face their audience.   They know each word intimately and how it should sound. While it stands alone in history there was little like listening to the late President John F. Kennedy deliver his famous   "Inaugural Address"   or imagine how frightening it would have been to hear Poe himself recite   "The Raven".

Words and the way they sound mystify me.   There is a magical beauty about them.   I love the way they burst forth into the air.   Or how they feel when they are whispered in a darkened room.   Words can sooth and comfort, while others spoken in angry tones can chastise the poor unfortunate who receives the brunt of them.

There are words that are harsh to my ear.   The guttural sounds that form the German language are often difficult to listen to while the soft smooth sounds of the romantic languages are easier on my senses.   The harsh "k" sound like in neck can be smoothed over by substituting the word throat.   Words can be woven much like a fine tapestry.   The result is a pleasing array of colors and illusions of a different place or a strong and moving speech written for a powerful speaker.

Personally I am a math student.   Still I am always seeking new words or ways to speak what is in my heart.   A peculiar combination I am.   A romantic heart with a logical brain.   Does this mean that I can't chase rainbows,   or follow my dreams? My logical brain says this is all foolishness.   Tis easier to stay with the familiar path which is well worn and comfortable than to choose the rocky one that leads into another direction.   My romantic hearts argues back that I have no sense of adventure.

My adventure is realized in the words that form as my fingers dance over the keys at my fingertips.   The tapping is soothing and as the words weave the sound is music to my ears.   My logical mind reads aloud inside my head and my romantic heart listens and sighs.   The finished piece is my tapestry; woven from the intricate lines that form the letters and held together with my hearts song.



Karen D.   aka   Dakotarse

You may e-mail feedback to:   DakotaRse@aol.com