Words

The word, word is defined as, "a single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing, used with others (or sometimes alone) to form a sentence and typically shown with a space on either side when written or printed."

I think that neatly sums it up, even if it is a pithy and almost unimaginative definition. I have spent many an hour pondering on the famous or infamous saying "actions speak louder than words." Those hours never end with a stolid conclusion on the viability of this statement. I do believe though, that actions and words compliment each other, and one without the other is like bread without butter - insipid.

Words equate power. Words express our souls. Words can leave a global footprint. Words can be life changing. Words are profound.

My life, and I am sure most peoples lives' have been affected by words. These words can be from anywhere - books, movies, speeches, conversations, and in any form - written works, and/or audio and visual material.

For me, books have been an integral part of life. I cannot imagine my life without a good book to read. Imagine a life without the shared drama of Shakespeare's plays, or missing out on the mystery and grandeur created by Tolkien! A world without the description of Georgina from the Famous 5! (Wait, I mean George!) My childhood was made so much richer because of words that I read! Days spent reading and days spent playing games full of adventures and characters we had read about!

Then, there was more Enid Blyton - school stories that slowly moved onto other books, other word-treats! "The delights of anticipation" as Anne would put it were incessant. Book by book, word by word, life transformed from school to high school to university, from only prose to prose, poetry and plays! Words changed from words that were merely read to words that were spoken, written and shared!

Words not only impact, but impress upon one's mind. The numerous times someone has said something complimentary or otherwise to you that have left a mark on your life forever. Sometimes it is just one word like hello, or good-bye, that can change the course of your entire life - A feather touch, light on your skin but strong enough to make sure you can feel it forever!

Words are magical - good or evil magic is relative. Like a witch or wizard in front of their brewing pot - just the right quantity of syllables, the perfect touch of flavour as you drop in the annotations and other styles . A perfect mix of words and your brew is ready! Ah and what we can do with this powerful magical potion! Change the course of the world, add some zing to a special someone's day, stop that person in their tracks as you throw out word after word! Stop the world, move the world, love the world! Sigh! Words! Words! Words!

Life without words (imagine trying to describe silence and not having the words to be able to?) would be a life I don't want!