“WordsBe careful of words,even the miraculous ones.For the miraculous we do our best,sometimes they swarm like insectsand leave not a sting but a kiss.They can be as good as fingers.They can be as trusty as the rockyou stick your bottom on.But they can be both daisies and bruises.Yet I am in love with words.They are doves falling out of the ceiling.They are six holy oranges sitting in my lap.They are the trees, the legs of summer,and the sun, its passionate face.Yet often they fail me.I have so much I want to say,so many stories, images, proverbs, etc.But the words aren't good enough,the wrong ones kiss me.Sometimes I fly like an eaglebut with the wings of a wren.But I try to take careand be gentle to them.Words and eggs must be handled with care.Once broken they are impossiblethings to repair.”
Analysis of Anne Sexton's Quote
In Anne Sexton's quote, she delves into the power and limitations of words. She starts by acknowledging the beauty and magic that words can hold, describing them as both miraculous and trustworthy. She compares words to various things, from fingers to doves, highlighting their versatility and significance in human expression. However, Sexton also recognizes the potential harm that words can cause, referring to them as both daisies and bruises. This dichotomy of words as both sources of comfort and pain mirrors the complexity of human communication. Sexton emphasizes the importance of handling words with care, as once spoken, they can have lasting impact that is difficult to undo. This quote serves as a poignant reminder of the weight that words carry and the responsibility one has in their use.
Modern Relevance of Words
In this poignant poem by Anne Sexton, she explores the power and limitations of words. The way words can be both beautiful and harmful mirrors the complexities of communication in our modern world. With the prevalence of social media and instant messaging, it is more important than ever to choose our words carefully. Sexton's message serves as a reminder to handle words with care, recognizing their potential to both heal and harm.
Example of Usage
In this poetic passage by Anne Sexton, the power and complexity of words are beautifully expressed. The author emphasizes the importance of choosing words carefully, as they have the potential to both uplift and harm. Despite their limitations, Sexton's love for words shines through as she compares them to doves, oranges, and the sun, showcasing their beauty and fragility.
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on Anne Sexton's poem about the power and limitations of words, consider the following questions:
- How do words hold power in our lives, both positively and negatively?
- In what ways do words shape our experiences and relationships with others?
- Have you ever experienced the frustration of not being able to adequately express your thoughts and feelings through words?
- How do you navigate the delicate balance of using words effectively while being mindful of their potential impact?
- What can we learn from Sexton's metaphor of words being like eggs that must be handled with care?
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