<b>Words</b><br /><br />Be careful of words,<br />even the miraculous ones.<br />For the miraculous we do our best,<br />sometimes they swarm like insects<br />and leave not a sting but a kiss.<br />They can be as good as fingers.<br />They can be as trusty as the rock<br />you stick your bottom on.<br />But they can be both daisies and bruises.<br />Yet I am in love with words.<br />They are doves falling out of the ceiling.<br />They are six holy oranges sitting in my lap.<br />They are the trees, the legs of summer,<br />and the sun, its passionate face.<br />Yet often they fail me.<br />I have so much I want to say,<br />so many stories, images, proverbs, etc.<br />But the words aren't good enough,<br />the wrong ones kiss me.<br />Sometimes I fly like an eagle<br />but with the wings of a wren.<br />But I try to take care<br />and be gentle to them.<br />Words and eggs must be handled with care.<br />Once broken they are impossible<br />things to repair.

Anne Sexton