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Question: How does this poem illustrate the power of the word!?
From the book “The Best Loved Poems of the American People”
TO A FRIEND
by Grace Stricker Dawson
You entered my life in a casual way,
And saw at a glance what I needed;
There were others who passed me or met me each day,
But never a one of them heeded!.
Perhaps you were thinking of other folks more,
Or chance simply seemed to decree it;
I know there were many such chances before,
But the others—well, they didn’t see it!.
You said just the thing that I wished you would say,
And you made me believe that you meant it;
I held up my head in the old gallant way,
And resolved you should never repent it!.
There are times when encouragement means such a lot,
And a word is enough to convey it;
There were others who could have, as easy as not,
But, just the same, they didn’t say it!.
There may have been someone who could have done more
To help me along, though I doubt it;
What I needed was cheering, and always before
They had let me plod onward without it!.
You helped to refashion the dream of my heart,
And made me turn eagerly to it;
There were others who might have (I question that part),
But, after all, they didn’t do it!
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Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
There are words that reach out to the reader!.!.!.entered, life, saw, resolved, and so on!. Although this poem does have its own particular merit, emphasizing the ups and downs of life, it is much too wordy with
superfluous words, which are not needed for the impact!. Pared down, it would mean the very same!.
Good Morning!Www@QuestionHome@Com
I know full well the power of the word, written or spoken, both as the listener and as the speaker!. We seldom have the opportunity to know how we affect and impact others!. This is also a reminder how kind and gentle words have the ability to change a life!. I don't feel this is sappy at all!. If someone were to send this to me, I would treasure it, and the writer forever!
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Having owned "The Best Loved Poems of the American People" for many years now, I am extremely familiar with this poem!. Excellent!. It illustrates the power of the word in moving human emotion by expertly expressing various sentiments!. For one of your respondents to state that it has too many superfluous words merely confirms that she knows absolutely nothing about poetry!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
Words not said are missed opportunities!. They leave a hole!. Since I am a romantic at heart, that is how I read it!. But, I understand it could be about so-called friends and true friends!. I like this poem!. I do not find it wordy!. I like the rhyme and meter!. And, hey, what's wrong with sappy!?! Www@QuestionHome@Com
Several parts of this sing, I think it reads some what wordy, yet it strolls along in clarity to any reader, as well could be taken as a friend,
or romantic happening, who ever, a thoughtful, observant person!.
As a total I like it!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
without intent it is anti-climatic, it wants to end on a jubilant event, but fails to do so !.!.!. back to the drawing board one this one friend!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
The meter fluctuates terribly, but it reads well and flows well!. I like it, and may well try something like it someday!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
It may illustrate that particular power, but it comes off to me as sappy and forced!.
Mr!. Neon- Yes, sappy!. It only feels that way!. It may not BE that way!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
She writes of how a friend's words helped her!.!. and the use of "it" adds something, but I'm not connecting to the author's "ability"!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
They didn't see
They didn't say
They didn't do!.
Yet, you did!.
To me, THAT says it all, from a friend, that's all I would need to hear!
ma
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Sappy!? To me this speaks friendship!. A strong reflection on a friend!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
(Am I the only one to read the question!?)
I'm going off on a limb and saying that it illustrates the power of the word merely because it has been written!. Words written are just more powerful than words spoken or heard!.
If this was spoken to me by a friend I would have gotten the point, but if this was mailed to me I would then be able to absorb it more fully, thus giving it a lasting impression!.
That's all I got, but I gave it a shot!. (You are going to give us the answer aren't you!? I know you're not really looking for one because YOU need it!.)Www@QuestionHome@Com