A Question for Writers: Are You Addicted to the Words?
Ah, Sweet Addiction
Writers wallow in words. In fact, they are addicted to words. Webster defines addiction as "being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something such as alcohol or drugs." The addiction may not show as you sit beside a writer, engaged in pleasant, banal conversation. You may not guess that all the while the words of the next story, poem or lyrics to a song are flowing through them like water down a river, sometimes turbulent if the words come to fast; sometimes almost stagnant when the words are slow to emerge or are elusive and slippery to the grasp.
Those scary moments, when the words are elusive, happen to be the hardest time of all.That is the precise moment the addiction shows it ugly face so vividly. The fix - the right words - isn't there; words can't be recalled or retrieved. Writers face the ultimate in agitation, aggression, restlessness and other symptoms of withdrawal when right words are out of grasp.
Words make statements and express thoughts to be shared with others. Words hold the power to change actions and beliefs. Words can change the world or a single individual.
If there is a doubt about what words can do, examine some of the great speeches throughout time or look at the first written words of a preschooler. Think of great speeches through time: Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln. Or think of the books, good, bad, ugly or indifferent that have been passed down through time.
Words uplift, tear down or are simply neutral. There is a reason the pen is mightier than the sword. It puts the words to paper; it creates. Swords mostly destroy.
Words can entertain, make you laugh, or heal the sick. Love affairs die or flourish on the basis of words. Shakespeare knew and captured this better than anyone.
This poem is an expression of the writer's attachment - no, addiction - to words.
Word Junkie
I am addicted to words;
It's so very simple.
I like to watch the words
trip across the page,
Filling space unoccupied -
blank, lifeless -
Bringing into existence whole new worlds,
new universes, new beings,
Writing them into shape and form.
Little words...
big meanings - hate, love, no, you, us, them.
Big words...
tiny meanings - obfuscate, ubiquitous.
No matter; they paint a picture,
Tell a story,
Call masses to action...or soothe a soul.
Tear down, create; the words well done or not,
Once spoken cannot be retrieved.
In the beginning...
in the end
Is the word, always the word.
© 2013 Cynthia B Turner
Related
Comments
AUTHORHello, thanks for reading and leaving the comment. The work is the thing and the words form the foundation for everything hitting the paper. We have to love the power of the words. Take care.
With words writers build phrases and sentences; with those, they build paragraphs and stanzas; with those, they build scenes, images, points of argument or instruction, and with those they build stories, novels, plays, poems, essays. The addiction is to getting the work right. A word may help form the final edifice or may be erased, crossed out, or deleted. The work's the thing.
Cyndi10,
Wouldn't it be great for us to be able to write words that are inegmatic? Just a thought.
- AUTHOR
Hi Kenneth, Backatcha. Thanks for the well wishes.
Hi, Cyndi10 and suzettenaples,
I hope you both are doing well tonight and enjoying a peaceful evening.
- AUTHOR
Hi Suzette, It seems writers can really relate to the poem. So happy that you took a look; even happier that you enjoyed it. Thanks so much and take care.
LOL! I love your poem and your message is right on. Where would we be without words? You are so right, they can make or break a relationship. It is all in how we use them. I enjoyed reading this.
- AUTHOR
Hello Kim,
Thank you so much for the positive votes. Take care.
Cyndi10,
Greetings! I, too must confess. I am addicted to words. I love this hub. You capture the world of the writer perfectly. It is difficult to explain to those who do not have this addiction why one can give up an entire day searching for just the right word to complete that poem, story, etc...
Voted Up/Shared/Pinned.
Thank You,
ocfireflies aka Kim
- AUTHOR
hi DeafForALIving, Hmm. I will give it a try on your recommendation. Thanks for leaving the tip. Take care.
- AUTHOR
Hi Audrey, Glad you liked it and thanks for sharing. Doing well over here on the East coast. Hope you're ok out West. :-)
I tried reading Word Junkie really fast like Rap God and it was a blast. You should give it a try.
Loved, loved this!! sending it around and hope you are doing well
- AUTHOR
Hi John, so good to meet you here.
Thank you for reading about the writer's addiction to words. Good or bad, I don't want to go to rehab for this addiction. I'm sure you feel the same way. Take care.
Hi cyndi, my name is John and I am addicted to words. I read one of your comments on billybuc's hub and thought I'd have a look at your hubs. I like your range of topics but was drawn to this one first. I couldn't express these sentiments better myself, and your poem says it all. All true writers are addicted to words and go into withdrawal if the words don't come for a period. Loved this hub and off to read about the Mary Celeste next. Voted up.
- AUTHOR
Hi, Glad you enjoyed and share the addiction. There is no rehab for this addiction. And are you and Michael stalking each other? LOL Have a fun and very creative day!
My word, Cyndi!......these words coming around again.....makes me know I have some words for you!.....Addiction? You said it! In fact, you put the words in print!! Thank you.
Peek-a-boo Michael. We have to stop meeting like this. People will talk.....giggle.
- AUTHOR
Hello Michael, Indeed you are welcome to my parlor of words. I'm so happy you share in the addiction. There is nothing like pen to paper! Take care and be creative.
Words ARE addictive!
There's so much more I can convey in a well-written letter than an actual in person conversation. Their a gateway of expression that will never go out of style. Thanks for sharing this Cyndi, I want to 'follow' if that's okay?
Sorry, I'm like a Hubpage vampire, I must be welcomed and invited in to cross the threshold. =)
....Hi Paula....I see you in the middle there!
- AUTHOR
Hi stricktlydating, I see you can relate to the writing. Glad you left a comment.
A lovely, truthful and light-hearted view of our craft! Well done.
- AUTHOR
Hi FlourishAnyway, Finding words that others don't use is always fun, especially if they are long and hard to pronounce. I suggest using them only with friends and family who like that sort of thing too. Usually, they're the ones who like to play Scrabble.:-)
Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. Take care.
Flourish . . .
Polish, a distinguished people.
Polish, to make silver or metal shine.
Bow, to bend from the waist as a gesture of respect.
Bow, a pretty knot in a pretty piece of fabric to adorn a gift.
These words use to bother me. Not now.
I love words, too, and all of their slices of meaning, their nuances and the rare ones that only well-read others know. It's like a secret club when you catch someone using one correctly.
You are very welcome, Cundi10.
Please keep in touch and have a safe week.
Your Friend,
Kenneth
- AUTHOR
Thanks Kenneth. And you as well.
Hi, Cyndi10,
How nice, you checking my hubs. Thank you so very much. I appreciate you doing that.
Here's hoping that you have a peaceful week.
Talk to you soon.
Kenneth
- AUTHOR
Hi Kenneth, Thanks for understanding the addiction.
I'm checking you out today. Take care!
Dear Cyndi10,
Absolutely fantastic hub. From one word addict to another. Voted up and all the choices. Really. I am into things that have new words or exciting synonyms. When I get an urge for a "Word Fix," I pull-up Hunter S. Thompson's essays and I am well again.
I cordially-invite you to check two of my hubs and then be a follower of me. I would love it.
Sincerely,
Kenneth/ from northwest Alabama
- AUTHOR
Hi Suzette, I've been hooked since I can remember. I even like the way dictionaries are laid out, with the phonetical spelling, the word origins, when they came into use. Anyway, I guess that makes you, me and I guess all writers word nerds. I'm just glad you enjoyed the poem.
- AUTHOR
Hello Christy, I glad you enjoyed the poem. I'm always amazed at nuances of the language, especially the origin of words we use today. English spoken in the 1500's is so different than the English today. It's all fascinating. Thanks so much for taking a look at my expression of appreciation for words.
Beautiful poem, Cyndi! A great tribute to the love of language (yes, I share that with you). Happy weekend :)
Love this poem and it is oh so true! Words are important and the essence to life and writing for me. I remember in college, all English majors shuddered at the thought of taking a linguistics course, but I loved it - the study of words and how our language works really opened up writing for me. Thanks so much for this delightful poem!
- AUTHOR
Hi Paula, Obviously you can relate to what I've written. As I know you've found, the only rehab is pen and paper! Thanks for the positive comment.
Take care.
Cyndi.......In a WORD? Fabulous!! UP+++
- AUTHOR
Hello Faith, Thank you for your positive feedback. You are always so uplifting with your comments. You keep a writer writing. :-)
Take care.
Hi Cyndi,
What a clever write on words and how the writer is addicted to them for sure!
You certainly do have a way with words as you are truly a gifted writer without a doubt.
Up and more and sharing
Have a great evening,
Faith Reaper
- AUTHOR
Yes, Audrey, I think we are. But I don't want rehab. :-) Thanks for reading and agreeing.
- AUTHOR
Hello ChitrangadaSharan, Thank you for the comment.
- AUTHOR
Hi Christy, Yeah, those words, gotta have them. Thanks so much for leaving a comment.
So true! Maybe all writers are so addicted?? I would like to think so anyway--you stated it perfectly!
Simple composition to convey a big meaning, all with the art of playing with 'Words'--So well done!
Thanks!
I do love words! Enjoyed the poem.
- AUTHOR
Hello Sunshine, Thanks for leaving a comment. Rock on!!
I could so relate. I'm not a fan of numbers, but words tend to rock my world :)
Hi Cyndi,
The way you use words is a true art.
Voted up +++
Take care
- AUTHOR
Ahhhh! Thank you. I think I'll print your comment and paste it to my Vision Board. Take care.
Love your play on words. Your poetry is addictive.
- AUTHOR
Yes, Jackie, you are right. Sometimes they play with us (and play us). This thing with words is beautiful on so many levels and frustrating when we can't make them say just what we want. We just keep at it, shaping and twisting.
I appreciate the comment!
- AUTHOR
Hello thelyricwriter, Wow! You started early. How cute (and enterprising) to start a newspaper. From the way its looking, everybody seems to have started pretty early with this addiction to words. Obviously, there's no hope at rehab. LOL. We just have to keep feeding the addiction!
Thanks so much for leaving a comment and for sharing on FB.
Indeed, words. We love to play with them, twist them, turn them and sometimes they play with us don't they? They will turn our thoughts right around and make a whole new story!
Cyndi10, voted up, awesome, interesting, and shared on FB. I don't know which I'm addicted, words or numbers. I remember writing a newspaper at 6-7 years old. It's hard telling what it said, but I sold then for a dime apiece. I've always had that passion, as explained in your awesome poem. Best wishes always:)
- AUTHOR
Hi BlossomSB, Amazing community we are at Hubpages, aren't we? I'm glad there is no rehab for our addiction. In fact, wouldn't it be wonderful if the rest of the world were so addicted to words, as we are. Well, maybe not. I leave a lot undone when the words are flowing. :-)
Thank you so much for leaving a comment
- AUTHOR
Hi Frank, I am such a fan of your work that when I get a comment from you my smile gets bigger. Thanks so much!
We're all addicted to words here, but we couldn't all express it as well as you have here. In admiration, I'm lost for words - well, almost.
Cyndi what a wonderful idea, clever.. kind of easy for you to pull it off..:) voted awesome
- AUTHOR
Hello Jan, How neat to publish at 11. Words are awesome. They can take you anywhere. And it is such a sweet madness to get lost in them.
So glad you stopped in with a comment and vote. Thank you.
So so true, I do have a love affair with words. I think the are alive. My first published writing was about the Alphabet and the formation of words. I was 11 years old. I still love manipulating and forming letters into words, words into sentences. It's madness isn't it? Excellent poem, I so relate. Voted up and awesome.
- AUTHOR
Soo addicted. Thanks for finding these words clever today!
You have lovely day as well! Take care; embrace the creativity.
Absolutely addicted. Words make it all happen for those of us who just love to manipulate them, don't they?
Cleverly expressed.
have a lovely Saturday
Angels are on the way to you this morning ps
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