Where Words Go to Die

A family member, though I can’t remember who,

Once said that in gardening, it’s all about the roots

 

With linguistics, so I've learned, the same holds true

In everything, it’s all about the roots

 

I want to dig up and transplant the way that mama says

“Millions”, the ‘mi’ becoming me,

Every vibrantly green syllable

Nurtured by rich, southern soil

 

“Bubba”, my papa was called, and “Bubba”, my

Nana had called him, and with a single utterance,

She pulled on her yellow gloves and ridded the 

Pollyanna growing rampant in his heart

 

The most beautiful flower erupted in their wake

 

Uncle Howard used to have a way of saying the lord’s

Name in vain - before the cancer uprooted him - that

Cultured a green, long, and leafy stem, that grew and grew

Until it tickled God’s nose from underneath him

 

Baby’s breath sprouts from every word ever spoken from

the mouth of a three-year-old babe, her juvenile

Sentences cultivating trademark white blossoms -

 White has never looked so innocent

God, how I wish to replant them all in 

The garden of nostalgia outside my home

 

A rusty spade could do the dirty work, steal away the

Roots of each sentimental jargon

 

The earth would open wide to swallow

The seeds of cherished vernacular

 

Naked hands would spread darkened dirt over Patois’s grave

And my childhood watering can would spill echoes

Of memories of conversations to quench the germinating thirst, and

In my garden of colloquialisms and dialectical quirks

 

I would have buried the language of the living 

and the tongue of the long ago dead

Reviews

[Beccy]

Words don't die once they're written. Same with memories, they pass from generation to generation with perhaps a little embellishment here a little poetic licence there, but is in indeed 'all about the roots.'

Again, your use of language is deliciously expressive and I so very much enjoying reading your work.

Beccy.

[devon]

Thank you so much! Considering I am on a poetic hiatus, this is really the encouragement I've needed to try and get back into the swing of things.

[Gee]

You write so beautifully Devon.

[devon]

Thank you so much! You are too kind.

[John Destalo]

Your breaks are really outstanding, and I love the line

"With linguistics, so I've learned, the same holds true
In everything, it’s all about the roots"

[devon]

Thank you! I am just now seeing this, but I appreciate it always :)

[Rick Puetter]

Dear Devon,

This is an interesting and powerful piece. Your view of your world is descriptive and sees beneath the superficial features. Have read some of your other pieces as well, but this one gets my attention, being so filled with perceptive observations.

High marks.

Best regards,

Rick

[devon]

Thank you so much.

[Wordpress]

This poem surprised me! It was so organic and ripe and down to earth I could not contain myself reading it. Well done Devon!

[devon]

Thank you very much!

[Jamestown]

I have to agree with the other review, this stanza is brilliant, something so unique
and breath taking! This piece as a whole is fantastic, bravo! Thanks for sharing and b-blessed!

[devon]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it!

[Jon Mahaffie]

"Uncle Howard used to have a way of saying the lord’s
Name in vain - before the cancer uprooted him - that
Cultured a green, long, and leafy stem, that grew and grew
Until it tickled God’s nose from underneath him"

This is one of the best stanzas I've read on this site in the 8 years I've been here... Seriously awesome. I think what makes it so great is its simplicity. It conveys a million dollar idea without using million dollar words. Are you looking for critiques or just initial impressions? Because I have way more to say about this piece.

[devon]

Wow. Thank you so much for that awesome review! I'm beyond flattered. I'm looking for constructive criticism, commentary, or even just thoughts that come to mind about my writing. I would love to hear whatever you have to say! I've posted lots of work, but so far, I've not gotten much feedback.

[Jon Mahaffie]

Oh great, I'm glad! Yeah, this website's heyday was about 6-8 years ago, and the community was super vibrant and productive. And for whatever reason, it just isn't really anymore. I mainly upkeep my profile just to have an online backup of most of my stuff. Cool, I'll post a review a little bit later with the rest of my thoughts.

[devon]

Thanks, again. I appreciate it!