I recently posted a poem, “Silent Words.” I think it is fitting the two poems be posted together. “Silent Words,” follows this new entry. It is abstract and leaves much to personal interpretation.
This poem, “Spoken Words,” is more about how our words, the words of loved ones, friends and even an enemy can influence and shape our lives. My wish is that you take away something positive from it. The first two verses represent emotions imparted by my parents who you now see below.
Just Married
Mother’s words calm a worried child,
Words of hope and joy outlast the latest toy.
These words are like waters,
Flowing from a mountain stream;
Where child can hope and child can dream.
A whisper, a laugh, a tease or a cheer,
Moments remembered, so cherished – so dear.
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When doubts bring fear of monsters out there
Reassuring words from Dad say, “No need to beware.
You are with us child and that’s all that matters.”
Ghost and goblin, vampire and bat;
Nightmares and terrors, so what’s up with that?
A firm and calm voice so steady and true,
“Daddy, I thank you for just being you.”
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When you feel discouraged, your friend says, “Just do it.”
You doubt and withdraw. Some will say I just blew it.
Friend urges, cajoles — knowing what it’s about.
They bring it on when you are all doubt.
You think and ponder and they must be right.
With message so true & your interest in view,
they know you better than even you do.
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Not all spoken words are so good and so true.
Rants from a mad man who hated the Jew—
His ravings drew many, though stormy— untrue.
Detestable tirades yet many he thrilled,
For them did it matter, he wanted them killed?
That’s why we fight; standup when it’s right,
Strength against strength with all of our might!
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Spoken words guide us and show us our path.
For good or for bad, we hear them each day.
How do we speak them and what do we say?
Spoken words matter, let’s show all the way.
A way that is just and faithful and true,
One that works right, for me, and for you
To show others honor a life to renew.
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Rich Weatherly, February 29, 2012
Silent Words—a poem
Sometimes I sit and listen,
silent words touching my soul;
a wisp, a whisper, words floating by,
silent words making me whole.
An inner calm washes warmth
through my inner being.
I listen and hear
as silent words bring peace,
Knowing you are there,
I yearn for more…
and hear answers in the wind,
in a song birds singing,
cattle lowing or even a baby cooing.
I see your smile
in the glint of another’s eye,
a rush, a sigh…
I reach out and you’re not there.
But is that true?
Maybe I’m just not listening,
to your silent words,
Silent Words that make me whole.
© 2012 Rich Weatherly
February 21, 2012
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Related articles
- Language and communication through the spoken word forms of slam poetry (neltachoutari.wordpress.com)
Rich Weatherly - Author 
A moving poem, Rich, so easy to understand and share your feelings.
Trish
Thank you Trish, it felt like the thing to do after yesterdays post.
Richard, this poem is beautiful, inspiring and uplifting. I am in awe of the way you can express your innermost feelings so poetically. Your parents were a handsome couple and I can see that you and your sister inherited their good looks as well as their sound principles. Your poem is a tribute to everyone who tries to make a difference in this world. Thank you for being my friend.
Marilyn, it seemed fitting to share this as our class is reconnecting for its 50th Reunion. I feel many of the thoughts, feelings and expressions of affection in our group. Everyday it seems we find someone else who we simply did not know was near us.
I am so glad that you folks who have brought this together, did so. It is blessing all of us immeasurably.
Rich
Beautiful Rich, as usual! Wonderful inspiring words~Thank you for sharing your gift! 🙂
And my answer is in your beautiful post on ‘Gratitude’ 🙂
Rich, I am always moved by your poetry. It speaks volumes about the ‘man behind the pen’. Thank you for sharing. What a striking couple your parents were.
Thank you for the encouragement and for honoring my parent’s memory 🙂
Beautiful.
Mary and WxMouse, so glad this connected with you. The words are flowing again. I’ll strike while it’s hot.
Thank you!
Isn’t it so true? “Words of joy outlast the latest toy…” There are things, moments in time, snippets of my folks and what they have to say that have transcended any toy I had back then. (wxmouse via twitter)
Both are very good poems. Thanks so much for sharing them with the rest of us.
Thank you Lynn, I plan to release them in a collection something in the not too distant future.
To say I am impressed is simply not enough. You have a magnificient way with words
Thank you Patrick. Knowing you are a serious writer and poet makes them even more meaningful.
Both poems are beautiful! I love the first one about watching what we say, being loving, just, faithful and true! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for the compliments. Please feel free to visit and comment at any time.
These are excellent! Thanks for them~
Thank you Susie! Always a pleasure to hear compliments from another writher~