Why Words Matter

A Man may make a Remark –
In itself – a quiet thing
That may furnish the Fuse unto a Spark
In dormant nature – lain –
Let us divide – with skill –
Let us discourse – with care –
Powder exists in Charcoal –
Before it exists in Fire –

A Quiet Thing, Emily Dickinson 

When reading this poem, I was reminded of my bugaboo—words matter, especially in the golden age of half-truths, fake news, and omnipresent fabulists. Social Media is full of them. There is a cost of words, especially if they are lies. One must be careful of what one says, for even the most innocuous word can have a profound impact.

January 14, 2024, San Francisco