Words will always matter more than anything else; whether they are written or said, they serve as an evidenced reminder that we are more than outer shells of flesh and bone. Some might even argue that many words are cliche, such as overused sentiments that leave us indifferent, yearning for more. But in the right conversation, words can be so intriguing. Words can be used to begin wars, but they can also absorb all the pain and frustration from a day we’d rather not remember. And to be able to harness such words and use them in the most perfect moment is profoundly important and immeasurably meaningful. I can’t think of a more useful form of communication, and yet we hardly ever think before we speak, slathering words all around like we don’t even care which ones we use. It takes a shrewd intellect to be able to sling the right words at the right time. It’s a skill we take our entire lives to learn. Writers practice the craft daily with paper and pen, persistence and precision, guiding every stroke. But what about the regular bloke who never hones his expressions? Should he be blamed for his inconsistency and inarticulateness? As writers, I think we have a great responsibility to teach, guide, show, and tell; explaining the very nature behind our chosen words is of the utmost importance. Those concerned with words will always have wisdom welling up inside them because a writer is also a reader with a huge appetite, catching every last crumb on the tip of their tongue. Those written words, read so carefully, often turn into ideas that will one day bleed from a page of their own. It is a life lesson to be had and, eventually, a brilliant mind to behold; reading and writing will never get old.

© 2025 Michelle Cook

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