Words are Swords. May 9 2010. Ink on paper.
It is said that the tragedy of Hamlet is consumed between ‘words’ and ‘swords’. Words, words, words murmur the duelling characters…
Some may say words are swords, of the most insidious kind, and that that which is uttered – or written- has a potential for far more damage than a weapon meant to plunge in an enemy’s body. In Italian there is a saying, its origins in the Gospel, ‘ Chi di spada ferisce, di spada perisce’ [Qui gladio ferit gladio perit] . In English it is translated as ‘He who lives by the sword, perishes by the sword’. As for those who live by the words, we also (must) suffer by words.
As a writer, a wordsmith, a poet – and more importantly, as a sentient human being – I have pondered today the reach of words, their lasting impact as means of communication in the analog and digital age.
Wounds are healed yet words remain. It is a theme that I will continue to explore, as more images are conjured up on the topic as I am posting this.
Word Machine. May 9,2010. Ink on paper.
WordBombs. May 9, 2010. Ink on paper.
The scene of the crime. May 9, 2010. Ink on paper.
![Desk Crit [The Importance of Sketching II]](https://sketchbloom.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/perspective-web.jpg?resize=200%2C200)
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Cogent insights. After watching David Tenant’s Hamlet on pbs.org I thought that the play is indeed about words, words, words, but not how they convey ‘real’ meaning, but how they only signify what “seems” like Hamlet’s customary suits of woe. There are no words, ultimately, for Hamlet, or for lived experience of any kind. “The rest is silence.”
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I love the word ‘cogent’. Thank you for reminding me of it. And for the thoughtful comment. What are words if not the space in between people, the vessel through which we hear the sound of our soul? They are the language of our innermost being.
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Hey Miti! How are you? I finally got around to checking out your site – very cool (it’s now in my faves)! Your post about the sometimes awful power of words reminded me of one of my favorite song lyrics of all time: “Words are so cheap, but they can turn out expensive/
Words like conviction can turn into a sentence” (from “Tenderness” by General Public, 1984).
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Danny, what a pleasure to see you here! Great songs and …ain’t that the truth my friend….
I am so sorry I missed you last time you were here, but I am due soon for a visit to the East Coast and Grand NYC..too many good friends I have not seen in too long. You will enjoy this I am sure
https://sketchbloom.wordpress.com/2010/04/25/things-you-can-do-with-wood
…and thank you for keeping me in your faves!! hope business is good! I will have to drop a message soon to see what you are up to!!
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[…] Words…Words…Words…..Swords May 9, 2010 […]
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