A word is but a silhouette --

b"h

7/19/13

A word is but a silhouette --

It says a part but not the whole --

And, too, a shadow -- given name --

Belies description of a soul. 

But words and names are all we have --

And so to use them -- well -- we try --

To spell the temper of a thing --

And tell the sparkle of an eye.

Reviews

[bobc]

I read somewhere that ancient Egyptians would chisel out the names of figures now out of favour from their tablets, sculptures and architecture. They did this believing the name and the figure were somehow joined. I remembered this while reading 'It says a part but not the whole' line and thought ancient Egyptians might argue the point. ...bob

[Firestone Feinberg]

I really dig the ancient Egyptians (pun unintentional) but I hope they haven't yet learned how to read English -- or I am in TROUBLE! Thanks Bob for reviewing so many of my poems. I am honored. --David

[bobc]

I'm kind of working my way through this site...which is quite good imo. People who have friended me here, I try to look at first...and then those who don't seem to have generated much response. I am quite enjoying this. I've known a lot of writers over the years...from novices to published ones...and the chance to return the favours afforded me by so many other scribes just feels natural...bob

[Firestone Feinberg]

This is a great site! Many nice people here. All kinds of writers. I've only been here maybe a year, but I've gotten to know some terrific people. Welcome! -- david

[M Breen]

The inadequacy of words. The poem expresses this but in parallel breathes life into this silhouette until it can fly, with (Dickinson(esque)) music.
I have an image of someone with a tuning fork, trying to "spell the temper of a thing". The things being both material and ethereal.

[Firestone Feinberg]

Okay, I admit it; I didn't write this poem... Emily did. I found it in an old attic in Amherst... nah... but she is my hero and my mentor. And how did you know that I can tune a piano? What perception you have! I very much appreciate your taking the time and energy to review my poem. I am honored. (i have read some of your poems, but I am too stupid and ignorant to understand them.) David

Posted 0 Seconds Ago

[M Breen]

Like I want to say to your friend John, I don't keep a balance sheet of reviews.
I used to write to confuse the Russians. Now I write to confuse the NSA. They give more views.

[Firestone Feinberg]

Don't forget about the Russians... they were great enemies, what?

[M Breen]

Yes, yes, but here in Europe we need their gas...we produce a lot of hot air.

[Firestone Feinberg]

oh i was being usa-centric: assumed you lived on this side of the pond... uk?

[M Breen]

Close.
Ireland. But I live on the continent.

[Firestone Feinberg]

Oh... you're in exile then?

[M Breen]

That sounds so romantic. I think I'll say that from now on. Where's my hat? Excuse me, there are some ladies over there I must report my exile to.

[Firestone Feinberg]

Good luck!

[Relic]

This is really well written with an imaginative flair. We never really know anyone's internal thoughts, so we go by their words and thoughts expressed to us by what they say. There is always more than meets the eye and ear. Great poem.

[Firestone Feinberg]

Thanks again, Relic, for your kind and generous review. I'm glad you ike the poem, and your perceptions add very much to its interpretation. --david

[waif]

There's a hint of some classical poet here with your meter and rhyme, but then there's that casual speech that you incorporate so nicely into your poems that gives it an individual, more modern voice. It really works.

I have a friend who takes words and ignores (largely) their traditional meanings and instead uses them more, say, impressionistically- creating some primal sense in the reader rather than a real, definable narrative. At first, I found it difficult and sometimes off putting (because, I guess, it was so different from my preconceived ideas) but once I figured out his method I found it to be a profound way of getting to the heart of the thing- whatever the thing happens to be. Your poem reminds me of that- how inadequate language can be sometimes, and how a non-specific word like 'thing' can express a great deal more than a flowery one on certain occasions.

Great poem, David.

[Firestone Feinberg]

Thank you Sylvie. Perhaps the poem reminds you of Dickinson. She is my hero and my teacher. I'm afraid I'm not an intellectual. Most of what you and others say and write passes right over me. But I like to read and write. So it feels good if someone -- especially someone learned like you -- likes one of my poems. I do try to write the besr I can. Thanks for your strong support. David

[waif]

Ah, David, that's a nice comment. But, I'm not learned, I just do a good imitation. I think your poetry shows - you don't give yourself enough credit.

[Brandon S. Whitten]

What cannot be said I paint, yet still a silhouette. Splendid read and write, inspiring thoughts.

[Firestone Feinberg]

Thanks, Brandon! Would love to see your paintings. I'm quite sure they are more than silhouettes. --David

[Brandon S. Whitten]

You are welcome. Will post paintings soon.

[Firestone Feinberg]

Great! Please let me know when!

[Brandon S. Whitten]

Four paintings have been posted.

[Firestone Feinberg]

where are they posted?

[Brandon S. Whitten]

go to my profile and click on photos

[Paula]

There is a magic to words. Shadow and silhouette they may be, yet can sometimes have such a palpable effect ... like how this poem haunts the readers consciousness with "the temper of a thing" and "the sparkle of an eye"
Ironic? Perhaps, but sorcerous at the same time.

Brilliant thoughts, David

[Firestone Feinberg]

Okay Paula! You win! Looks like I undid myself, what? Thanks for your kindness, your energy, and your wisdom!