The Captured Word

A recollection:

Words fitly spoken are not always spoken as apples of gold in pictures of silver. The word, once uttered, cannot find its way back and must find solace in the beholders ear. Words are stated without merit and are sometimes fueled by impulse. There exists a word or two that finds its capture to be a freedom amongst its hearers and proves betterment to its detractors. These words can be spoken, but find there true power and importance by being written. These are the words that you and I need to focus our attention upon.
I can recall attending an English class at Country Day School (St. Croix-U.S. Virgin Islands) and being rebuked by my English teacher to write better. He stated-“You must capture the words, not merely state them. When done correctly this is called writing." It has been a little over 10 years now (15 or so to be exact) and I am still living out that advice. Along the way, the challenge of finding one’s voice and audience have proven to be a cultivating experience lending sagacity towards my writing. I now recognize that the captured word is a word fitly spoken and will find an audience regardless! The words are to be captured by the “seekers” and though the writer may not know who they are-“they” are ever aware of whom “you," the writer and captor of words, happens to be.
Words are harbingers of truth, or if a lie- help to assist in its opposite illumination. Words are responsible for wars, but also peace; words are responsible for hope, in spite of turmoil; words are responsible for contests, in spite of losing. Words are just that…THEY ARE, and they are responsible! Words can be comforting, academic, docile, abstruse, and confectious but again-THEY ARE!
What then is the written moral of the telling? Words are strong, but once captured prove their mirth above mere reckless existence. Once spoken, in or out of captured tune, the writer must proceed to write them and in justice alleviate their intended audience. This final step is not an easy one, but it is one that should take some time. Why? These words of captive gold are fitly written in pictures of audible silver.