Isn’t it funny how you can ponder a three letter word all day and think you have a poem in mind, and then you sit down to write it down, and then poof… that poem shifts gears on you? The poem I had in mind took this down a more philosophical/spiritual path… but this was rather fun to write! I say I say, is my (I hope) light-hearted response to a word challenge issued by Miss Kate.
I say, I say, I wonder what my fellow writers will pen out for us today? Might be fun to read what they have to say eh? Perhaps some might speak to my soul, and others might make me laugh. There’s always one or two that I have no idea even how to respond to. (doesn’t mean I don’t read them, I just have no response writable!)
I Say, I Say
I say, I say
sometimes I use words
that others don’t expect
and the reaction is
WHAT? I don’t know that word!
What does it mean?
This morning I complimented a co-worker
and said “you are being very industrious”.
I was surprised when she stopped and exclaimed
“I don’t know that word, what do you mean?”
So I explained that I appreciated how
hard she was working. Industrious meaning
someone who was working hard at something.
I love language and words
and I’m used to rephrasing myself
for others.
I grew up with parents who
spoke English as a second language
and though they knew much,
those “picturesque words” were often
not among them. So when I learned a new word
I’d use it! Then would spend time
explaining it.
Funny how old habits repeat eh?
Today I use a couple of email
programs to send me a new word of the day.
Some words, like today’s, tertiary I already know.
But often I get words like
Tenebrous.
Frankly I’m not exactly sure
how to even to pronounce it much less use it!
Tenebrous (adjective): Dark, shadowy, obscure.
The foggy night made the surrounding
building tenebrous and foreboding.
Alex peered through the darkness,
suddenly unsure of herself.
Normally very confident, the dark,
shadowy buildings, and the muted sounds
flowing through the fog
set her teeth on edge.
This was NOT the night to be
out searching for her ….
What do you think… would that be a good start
to a story?
How would you continue it?
What would you say as you continued the story?
What interesting words have you been
able to eject into your speech lately?
for I say I say, there are
so many good words out there!
JUST WAITING To be used…
on the unsuspecting….
🙂
I have to admit though, I find it HIGHLY annoying, when the word of the day is some made up name for some mixed breed mutt of a dog. It’s like.. THAT”S NOT A REAL WORD!!! IT”S JUST A MADE UP NAME!!! Gah. But I suppose if that’s the least of my frustrations, I live a pretty good life eh? 🙂
And as I was reminded on a show (I think).. English is an ever evolving language.
I love words and learning new ones! Your poem and your thoughts about the “words of the day” reminded me of a meme that said something about being able to tell avid readers because they knew so many words but didn’t know how to pronounce them because they’d only seen them in books. I think that’s true – my husband still teases me about my mispronunciation of the word “calliope” because I’d never HEARD it before! Such a fun prompt this week, eh? Visiting from FMF#22
Oh, I have that all the time and usually hubby is kind enough to simply correct my pronunciation. Occasionally he laughs (I deem it somewhat hysterical) and somehow manages to blurt out a correction. I’ve usually completely mangled it…..
I thoroughly enjoyed this, Annette! And that is a great story starter. At first, I thought of a missing dog, but since you have rabbits, perhaps a missing rabbit would be better for your story development. I’m sure you have many such stories, and collecting them into a book would be great! Think of Little House on the Prairie, where Laura Ingalls shares her stories from the farm, her growing up years, etc.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, Annette! And that is a great story starter. At first, I thought of a missing dog, but since you have rabbits, perhaps a missing rabbit would be better for your story development. I’m sure you have many such stories, and collecting them into a book would be great! Think of Little House on the Prairie, where Laura Ingalls shares her stories from the farm, her growing up years, etc.
oh, that would fit! I’ve had many a loose bunny at night… usually resulting in my calling my boy out to help! 🙂
I enjoyed your poem. It is interesting to learn new words and expand our vocabulary.
yes it is. 🙂 Thank you.
Liked “English is an ever evolving language.”
Yes it is. A good thing no?
I love words too! I find myself using old fashioned phrases that people aren’t used to today. Not sure where they come from. I’m guessing I just grew up with them and the stuck. The word I looked up this epweek was “cruciform.” Not a word in my regular vocabulary but one I may use now! Thanks Annette! I always look forward to your posts!
I know that word! 🙂 it was a word of the day a while back, and yes, one well worth using. Thank you for your kind words. 🙂
I loved your poem! And yes, English is an ever evolving language.
Visiting from FMF 15.
Thank you Lori 🙂
I tend to make up my own words
with disproportionality,
and today I’m leaning towards
the use of frogularity,
which implies a laxative effect,
or, perhaps, commanding burp,
and in truth I do expect
that this word will soon usurp
others that get in its way, becoming something of an icon
that will pose on a sunny day
before a Leica or a Nikon,
a-ribbiting, yes, all the while
to give the world a touch of style.
I’ve done that too! 🙂 It’s rather fun coming up with a new word! 🙂