Of Butterflies and snowmen
Words are butterflies
torn to pieces
in the winter storm.
Words are shattered glass
barely mended
using superglue.
Words are milk
remaining overnight
and gone sour
Words are snowmen
thawing into brooks
Words are cocked
revolvers
bombs and hand-grenades.
Words are ink
black with bad intent
Words are swords
Words are dangerous
Promises are words.
Today Karin inspires us to write about promises at Toads. I tend to think in black ways, I hope to read some inspiring poetry that make me change my mind. This poem will also be linked to Poetry United tomorrow.
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February 14, 2015
Björn Rudbergs writings 
“snowmen thawing into brooks” wonderful verses.
It is true that words can be dangerous.. “the tongue is sharper than a sword” – But of course words can be sweet, and poems are words.. 😉 Nice one!
Words definitely have their dark side, Bjorn. Your imagery is excellent. I especially like the image of words going sour overnight – like milk.
(And, ha, interesting – as you mentioned at my blog – that Brian, you, and I all wrote about words. Great minds…..? Smiles.)
Yikes–you run a real gamut here, Bjorn, from butterflies to black intent,and one has a real sense of one betrayed–there’s even a sort of arc to the poem showing a kind of softness to an increasing bitterness. Very well played–thanks for participating. k.
Great imagery….softness to betrayal – marvellous write
Is promises are words, they are potent sumbitches. Powerful iteration. Words nail us to the world, and time judges harshly what’s left hanging there.
… Sorry, “If” not “Is”.
Your thoughts are dark indeed, Björn, but your imagery is powerful. The one that I found most striking was that of the milk gone sour.
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“Words are ink
black with bad intent”
I like that a lot.
This is my favorite as well! So potent.
words are snowman and words are promises.
anything spoken and written or invisible but exist are words.
a fun take.
Bjorn – your words are the believable ones. A wonderful write!
words are what we make of them…they have the power to give life…and to take it away…i like your allusions to what they are…and the spectrum you create of their uses…
Have read this several times, for the alluring imagery to continue, and leave a footprint on my thoughts.
Intriguing; thank you.
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.
Poppy
in this realm of words the last line is chilling…
Words ARE dangerous. That’s also one of the good things about them.
Words are powerful and cruel and gentle as a first kiss or a baby’s smile. They are our tools and our playthings I love them.
Maybe the wonderful thing about words is that they can be both blankets and swords..the possibilities are endless…and yet they are fragile if we don’t capture them in time…just like butterflies…
Word? Or what we do with them?
What a syllogism you have presented here, Bjorn. I feel the need to stand and applaud.
Writing to reality is the best option, Bjorn! Great lines!
Hank
I admire the ending twist ~ Words can be swords and dangerous ~ So are promises ~ Happy Sunday ~
Ripped, torn, destroyed–or holding the potential. What a view of words! What a sad experience of promises. Powerfully done.
Words are, indeed, what we craft them to be, the actions we put into them, what we see and take from their sounds… everything
the potential for both poles and all in between exists in words – you have illuminated the darkness brilliantly
The negativity of words are vividly expressed in your examples. Such effective images…
Broken promises can feel like some of the metaphors you described, like milk gone sour or swords ~ but sincere promises do come true 🙂
This is just excellent, Bjorn–I am totally struck dumb by it–well, not totally, since I want to say all kinds of things about how effectively you have used these images, piling on the short sharp phrases. each a hammer blow on a nail driving to sink that last line flush and home. Just an excellent, excellent piece.
Very reflective and in black…what remind me about responsibilities we must have using words…Hope you will find inspiration for positive words poem…at least just for the balance. 🙂
words are indeed swords at time as I have felt the slice to my own flesh..but, words can also help heal the wounds..
briliantly written as usual Bjorn
Words words words… what else can be said 🙂
ZQ
words make us think.
True, Bjorn. Words can be powerful weapons. Well done. — Suzanne
I think this piece will stay with me for a while–the power of words –their jagged edges–the power to hurt and heal–I like where you took this
WOW! With this perspective, one must learn to avoid that act of making promises. Dire, indeed. Great imagery, Bjorn!
I think your words are true and we have all known those dark, cruel, biting words….well done!
Hard to not nod agreement with every word as I sit snow-blind & snowbound in NH 🙂
wonderful!
Ah…I love how you bring this to culmination in that strong final statement. Promises are definitely all these things words are. Excellent.
What are words for if no one listens anymore? 😉
Yes, words can be swords – double edged. They can pierce in good ways and bad. Love your poem Bjorn. You have some wonderful words here.
Words can do so much. Your words are so expressive in this, Bjorn.
Words do have power. you have given a gamut about the bleakness and dark intent of words. Much in these words you have penned.
Excellent and vividly painted Bjorn. Words are a poison but oh sweet.
I like your play of similes here… and how each actually linked together.. smiles…
A strong and powerful write..words indeed are everything.They can construct and they can ruin….
Ah, your words about words are excellent. You have some great metaphors.
luv your images; all potent
Thanks for dropping in at Lunch Break, here’s my link to Monday WRites
http://myblog-verses.blogspot.com/2015/02/25.html
much love…
Wow! I certainly didn’t expect the ending. Yes, there is danger in words. Amazing write!
the wabi sabi of promises
namaste
jzb
Words can certainly change us. I read a quote “Pretty words are not always true, and true words are not always pretty”. Love that. Or Mark Twain for humor ” The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause. Ha ha.
Words are powerful and can have a much longer harsh affect than a beating, that’s for sure. But I cherish those words that encouraged me, that made me feel loved, that make humanity something special. I am surrounded by words – books, (LOTS of books) and try not to turn on the news too often – as otherwise your poem would ring true…
Very strong poem. You put the power into it very well.
amazing words from amazing poet.
This is wonderful – intensely visual and evocative!
Nicely done. One of your best- for me. Although, I like to dwell on the power of words as a positive- They say it takes FIVE positives (words) to compensate for ONE negative! So your poem has truth in the world.