Dear Journal,
Sometimes I feel like words occupy their own world. When I am writing, it is almost like I am walking down a path, meeting words as I go. The everyday words live life in clearly seen houses on either side of the street. They are polite. They wave as you walk by, invite you in, and offer their assistance. Some words are so hospitable that I accidentally overstay my welcome. But the longer I spend on this path that leads through the heart of this "world of words", the more I realize there is more than just Main Street. Some of the other words in this world are harder to find. They live beyond the common, not in houses, but in dens, crevasses, and trees. They, too, are polite. But more cautious. One must be willing to search for these words. Upon meeting them, it seems only proper to learn more about them and where they came from; get to know them. I have found they are just as kind as the words on Main Street, but when they offer their assistance, they expect much more from you. I am hard-pressed to make sure I live up to their expectations. Sometimes I hold off on using what they offer until I am sure I can use it correctly. Other times, I wait because I feel that some of these shy words are too advanced for a character in my story. Still, other times, I feel as though I have already reviewed a sentence so many times in search of the right words that the sheer number of words who offer me their help is a little overwhelming. Not to mention their good friends and leaders, punctuation and grammar, who serve to guide them, organize them, and make sure no one "eats grandma," if you know what I mean (we all know how many lives the comma has saved).
While grammar and I seem to do okay together, punctuation and I don't always get along; I have a hard time remembering all of his rules, especially since it feels like he changes the rules as he goes. It can be very confusing. However, punctuation and grammar are essential to the success of all words. I have discovered that words, as individuals, are not always the brightest. They are in desperate need of each other to be at their best, but they regularly need help from the outside. I once saw some words forming a sentence without the proper guidance. They misused a period and started the next sentence without following the correct guidelines set forth by grammar. The second half of what should have been one sentence, which started with "that," wandered off in the middle of the conversation, apparently in search of someone or something named "that." In short, without the leadership of punctuation and grammar, words often run over each other, trespass, and otherwise make each other's lives a little confusing. It is sad, really, because most of them have quite good intentions (though some are troublemakers). They just need a little help. When I work with the words, I try to ensure that their wise leaders are around at the right time for the right reasons. But sometimes I forget.
Despite all the confusion in the world of words, it is a fascinating place to explore! Even though I am a writer, I find myself at a loss for words in many situations. But not to worry, there is no shortage of words, if one knows how to find them. I am always learning, and I look forward to all the stories I can tell with the help of the great citizens of the world of words.
Sincerely,
Ondrea Keigh
Comments