Words are my addiction; sometimes soft:
a butterfly and sound of trees, or
scent of snow — But
words are often harsher,
metals, minerals the kind you forge for war:
the rat-ta-ta from trenches,
daggers, venom, agent orange,
bombs and buzzards.
And afterwards the words are grey:
as morgues, the thistle and a silence of the birds,
it’s dusk, it’s mud and rain. But still
the worlds are my addiction. Warm or cold
but never tepid.
That’s why my words are
weapons, comfort and existence.
Song without words by Lynd Ward
At toads Magaly wants us to write a poem that explores one or three (even thirteen) things you believe words can do for you and others. I will also link up to Poetry Pantry tomorrow morning.
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January 27, 2018
Björn Rudbergs writings 
“Weapons, comfort and existence.” Very cool, Bjorn!
Your words are varied and wonderful I enjoy reading them always, Bjorn!
I like your three things, Bjorn. I will have to think about this for myself. Right now I am very aware of just how words can be weaponized. And, I must say, I am glad that you continue to be addicted to words!
strong, powerful words
I kind of expected the Old LibrarianBjörn. But i was not in the least bit dissapointed in this poem
Much 💝love
I thought that first… maybe there will be a second offerering.
This is very good. I really like these lines:
“the rat-ta-ta from trenches,
daggers, venom, agent orange”
“And afterwards the words are grey:
as morgues, the thistle and a silence of the birds,
it’s dusk, it’s mud and rain.”
“Warm or cold
but never tepid.”
Even your gray words are alive and richly hued.
You know how I love synesthesia, thus this is a poems to savor. Brilliant.
Yes, yes, yes! Especially that glorious ending (and title). The best things we can find in life are those that can be reshaped into anything we need. And words are certainly that.
And you sure know how to string them together! 🙂
I love everything about this poem, Bjorn. It is just perfect.
Words are weapons, without a doubt.
weapons comfort and existence.. oh just beautifully said Bjorn!
“Weapons, comfort and existence.” Words for writers are just that. Love the images chosen here, softer, harsher both.
Another spectacular write.. i really got swept along in the beauty of words
Excellent, really liked your closing lines to you poem.
How good your words were and I really liked youchosen illustration too.
This is absolutely breathtaking, Bjorn! “That’s why my words are
weapons, comfort and existence”… oh yes! 😀
P.S. Feel better soon!
Words are many things, but they are definitely weapons when used with the wrong intent.
Words are all you say they are—and more!
Such delicious yummy words Björn – a pleasure to read.
Anna :o]
You leave me to think about. Us words addicts crave the right ones but can’t put them in other people’s mouths.
The many different tasks that words can fulfill. Very vivid poem showing the different sides of beautiful words.
I love what you did with the challenge, I tried but failed, just didn’t think of all that weapons could be.
Words are definitely powerful, Bjorn. But the same time, it can indeed be a very comforting medium.
That was strong and powerful.
…and you wield your words so well, Bjorn! You have a gift!
Wonderfully constructed and powerfully rendered. I’m not sure if there is a poetic term for this type of intermingled metaphor. If not – there probably should be. What you have done here, is brilliant!
But words are often harsher,
metals, minerals the kind you forge for war:
wonderful compliment to the softer ideas of butterflies, trees and the scent of snow …. which is a gorgeous idea ….. loved the juxtapositions and images you’ve created …. and the idea of words being minerals …. brings me completely to mind of how they can and become living breathing entities of themselves ….
‘and afterwards the words are grey’ – exactly the way it feels. Wonderful poem and title.
Reblogged this on ReBirth: The Pursuit of Porsha and commented:
Luv’d this…SOOO much.!!! !!!
Words are life! Good write.
kaykuala
Beautiful writing Bjorn! Combining and balancing them in softer moods to the violence of war. Contrast and similarity within the short space, beautifully done!
Hank