Poem August 3, 1987 Issue

Words

Harvard O. Claussen

For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat. (Job 34:3)

Some words to carry wisdom's weight Have more than they can do;
They often tie the truth too tight
Or let it all slip through.

Ideas are hard to hold in words—
Too heavy or too light,
Except when tender, clear, and strong
They sound exactly right.

And words should never say it all
Or lock ideas away,
Which must stay free to rise and sing
Of more than words can say.

(Nor can we by great effort's dint
Command them to reveal
Such stuff as words can only hint
Of all the heart can feel!)

And yet, when words reflect the light
Of Truth in what we say,
How beautiful to see them glow,
As error fades away!

Harvard O. Claussen

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"Do you think I'll ever understand it all?"

August 3, 1987

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