Tag Archives: words

Words

When I used the “loo” at my Aunt L’s home I had to look up a new word in the dictionary, spell it, define it and use it in a sentence.

A young family member got married last weekend and I think of words. They are used in a marriage ceremony, and every day at home and work and at the grocery store.

My miracle is that we do not need words. He knows when to take my hand, as he did on our first date. He knows what I need, I know what he needs and we do a lot of our public communication without words. To hold hands walking down a sidewalk we don’t even look at each other, just reach out at the same time. I am hoping the same for the newlyweds.

We do speak, but I wonder if we are no longer able to speak due to age or illness can we transfer thoughts to each other. We’re that close. I think we can do it. Whenever he’s home we hold hands and say we love each other every day. Yes, words. They have their place. Thank you Homer, Shakespeare, Austen, poets and wordsmiths everywhere for letting your thoughts inspire me to just take his arm across an icy street without a word or a glance. We just know. And he’ll know when to let me go. Dee

Instruments

I had a revelation today. As the lightning, thunder, wind, rain, snow and sleet came down around me I realize I have a voice.

When I was young, it was channeled into violin, piano and ballet. Then my parents got me a cheap guitar and I started up a mainly tone-deaf band at age 12.

I gave it all up. Singing a solo and being second then first chair violin was stressful. I was very shy and one parent told me I could do anything or be anything, and the other said I was worthless. That guitar was stolen.

A few years ago after I filed our taxes (which I’ve yet to do this year) I went in and bought a starter guitar and signed up for lessons. I took private lessons from  a gospel singer, then a drummer. I bought a fancy guitar and the only thing I do for it now is keep it hydrated.

I wondered why I couldn’t keep up the music, then just figured it out in this storm. I’ve found a voice. Some folks around me don’t like it, but for the past 15 years I have a voice. I called both my US Senators today. My voice and my pen (keyboard now) are my instruments for now.

Yes, every once in a while I lay back, close my eyes, tune my guitar and play Bye Bye Miss American Pie, or Teach Your Children, or even 500 Miles. Perhaps I’ll do that now.

My voice needs to be my voice and words until they are no longer needed, then I can play another instrument. I am a multi-tasker but with everything else… Think about it, Dee