WORDS MEAN AND CAN BE MEAN: a sonnet

WORDS MEAN AND CAN BE MEAN: a sonnet


Some mean to say one thing, say the other;
Some can’t find the words to say what they mean.
About words’ meaning some do not bother.
These are the ones who do language demean.

Words can be potent, they can make a kill.
Words can be meaningless and, even, mean.
Using the right word is a task uphill,
But without such effort words have no sheen.

Take care that what you say is understood
Correctly, using appropriate words.
The use of an indelicate word would
Often result in drawing of the swords.

What wonderful a world it would have been
If people don't say what they do not mean.


M C Gupta
5 April 2009