Malapropisms
I love the antics of semantics.
Although sometimes I’m driven frantic
by words used inappropriately.
A sight I all too often see.
When people try to demonstrate
their vocabulary is first rate.
Like Mrs Malaprop confused.
They do not know the words they’ve used
merely display their ignorance.
A most unhappy circumstance
Their efforts to impress must fail
Misusing words to no avail.
Better stick to words you know,
plain simple words which surely show.
You can express your point of view
in terms appropriate to you.
A single word serves just as well
as any polysyllable.
It seems to me it’s plain to see
simplicity aids clarity.
7-Jul-08
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poem by Ivor Or Ivor.e Hogg
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Related quotes
Polysyllabic Complexity
Polysyllabic complexity
Polysyllabic words afford me great hilarity
Especially used improperly
By those who seize the opportunity
to demonstrate pretentiously.
Their vast store of vocabulary.
It fills me with malicious glee
to see them comprehensively
confusing similarities
between words so easily
Relinquishing simplicity
in favour of complexity.
Because they’re hoping to impress
us with their cleverness
Instead display their foolishness.
Because of their proclivity
for using words which do not mean
quite what they think they do.
Instead of saying what they mean
precisely and with clarity
.In words that everybody knows
The can’t resist the urge to pose
I’m sure we all know someone who
will use five words where one would do.
I’ll draw this ramble to a close
Or you might think I’m one of those
Who talks the way that posers do
Perhaps you’re right it could be true.
13-Oct-08
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poem by Ivor Or Ivor.e Hogg
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Do it your way for Stephen Stirk
Sometimes the words that writers use
have different meanings and values.
For words don’t always mean the same
and common words don’t play the game.
Some words can mean their opposite
A writer must be explicit
selecting words in such a way.
Their meaning is as clear as day.
Avoiding in particular
the words that seem familiar
That sound the same when they are not.
Meanings can differ quite a lot
Like seams and seems or there and their.
A writer has to be aware
Simplicity is his finest tool
and that his readers as a rule
Are not concerned with the syntax
Your words should help them to relax
If they do not then you will fail
your efforts all to no avail.
Although your words are scholarly
perfectly composed grammatically.
Successful writers in the main
make sure they write to entertain.
They cater to the public taste
they haven’t got the time to waste
Writing works which won’t be read
That will not earn their daily bread.
Those who write professionally
research their market thoroughly.
The must be certain it will sell
and some of them do very well.
Amateurs, who post on the net
are not constrained they can forget
The publishers and critics views
and simply write the way they choose.
Though they won’t earn a single cent
it doesn’t matter, They’re content
with comments that their readers make.
They love to write for its own sake.
23/06/2009
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poem by Ivor Or Ivor.e Hogg
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Much ado about something or other
An absence is hard to define
A nameless shape without a form,
an emptiness left by design
A task nobody can perform.
Using words which are meaningless
just strung together as a string
Poetic words which would impress
if only they meant anything.
Without a message to convey
they merely occupy some space.
To put it in a different way
the kind of words one should erase.
I think I may have lost the plot
because these word don’t mean a lot.
16-May-08
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poem by Ivor Or Ivor.e Hogg
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Dancing Words for Friend Mark Slaughter
There’s more to writing poetry,
than choosing your words carefully.
Selecting words you know will rhyme.
You must consider too the time
the beat your words will be dancing to
In just the way you want them too
.The rhythm furnished by the meter
helps your words to flow much sweeter.
The basic rules you have to learn
so you can teach them in your turn
To other poets who are new
and do not know as much as you.
The feedback which you will receive
will satisfy you I believe.
3-Mar-09
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poem by Ivor Or Ivor.e Hogg
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Untitled 15
there is a mountain of words
an ocean of words
a continent of words
there is a rain of words
a flood of words
a river of words and true to their being words
they also disintegrate as syllables
on the other hand some form the clauses
conditions and terms
some make sentences and paragraphs
a world of words full of words
i am not a word and i am buried in a mountain of words
a sea of words i drown
a continent of words i am condemned to walk all the days of my life
too may words my ears do not listen anymore.
my eyes do not like to read anymore.
i like something not having to do with words.
what about a touch? what about a picture?
what about a kiss?
why don't people just make love without saying a word?
let us start touching the hearts of people
to avoid this war of words that lead us to our own perdition.
poem by Ric S. Bastasa
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Words
Words on this paper
Words in my head
Words while I'm texting
Computing
Unsaid
Words between people
Words on the phone
Words upon words
Even when I'm alone
Words from the Bible
I question
Don't mesh
Words from pornography
Making them flesh
Words with flat letters
Written in black
Good words and bad words
You cannot take back
Words that are shallow
Words that are deep
When they're too many
They put me to sleep
Words that I'm writing
And rhyming you read
Whatever I'm saying
There's prolly no need
Words from the alphabet
Words that can't be
When you are blind
And it's Braile that you see
Words that are worthless
And said on the fly
My words or your words
Are most likely lies
Words in a sentence
Wise words or fair
The only words earnest
Are those said in prayer
Written by Sara Fielder © 2011
poem by Sara Fielder
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Words To Me Mean
words are just word that mean nothing at all as my heart turns cold i can no longer say i care at all to you that may be wrong but to me words are just words that mean nothing at all but to others they are so much more they are words of felling words of hate and joy and worst of all words of hurt but words are just words i could care less at all with words of love, joy, and laughter you can no longer get me down words are just words that no longer hurt at all so no longer let them take charge words are just words of many words of few may cause trouble or cause joy my heart turns cold at the sight of your hate and rejoice with joy at the sight of happiness so you see words are just words that i can no longer take at all
poem by Kimberly Whittenburg
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Say The Words
Every light shines on you tonight
Making a fool out of me
Why wont this love leave me alone
All of the people in this smoky room
Crowded with faces I know
I feel them watching me watch you
Chorus
Say the words
Say the words
Say the words
Say the words so I can leave its over
Your eyes are deeper
They are worthy of many words
But none I can conjure up will do for you
I shouldnt see you
cause I know my own motivation
Its taking too long for this love
To leave me alone
Chorus
Say the words
Say the words
Say the words
Say the words so I can leave its over
Bridge
Oh love you worry me
When you say youll wait forever
I have another life
We just cannot be together
Chorus
Say the words
Say the words
Say the words
Say the words say them for me
I need to hear you say its over
Say the words
Say the words
Say the words so I can leave its over
song performed by by Vonda Shepard
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Lip Service
Words inspire and words destroy
Words conspire and words annoy
Words spread freedom and words detain
Words believe them in sound refrain
Words of passion in words misleading
Words without action are words without meaning
poem by P.R. Prosper
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Actions Are Sentiments' Verity
Words are but mere lexicon, actions are sentiments' verity;
Where words may serve merely to confound, actions bring clarity;
Actions are the truth, to which words may only portend-
Actions make real, what was once only pretend.
Do not tell me, show me-then I will know;
Do not say you love me, allow the love you profess, to show!
Words tell a story of intentions, actions are their proof-
Do not express a desire for ardor, then remain aloof!
Would you believe I love you if I told you, or more if I show you! ?
After all we have been through, this proof is the least I owe you.
I utter no words before my actions are taken or readied-
I express no sentiment before my heart is inspired and steadied;
When I say 'I love you', it is affirmation of the actions I am willing to take;
When I say 'I love you', it is proof of the sacrifices I am willing to make!
poem by Maurice Harris
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Words.... (Poetry Itself)
words do not heal the broken hearted,
words do not end wars.
words do not change the face of indifference,
words do not impress god!
words do not feed the hungry,
nor set the captives free.
words do not give shelter to the homeless,
or hope to those ridden with despair.
words do not stop discrimination,
words do not bring justice.
words do not bring forgiveness,
nor do they bring understanding...
words do not fill the empty,
nor erase the scars of love...
words do not define dialogue!
it is only then,
the hands and feet of the human heart...
and poetry itself is nothing more,
than the action of involved compassion!
poem by Eric Cockrell
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Practice in practice is
Words lost ethical reconsecration in
appeasing to split a judges decision.
Words arranged pick truths digestion
like writing poetry watching television.
Words cannons rule laws working into
masks to blame forgives poor in sight.
Words ease pain words part troubles
words fog a bank rivers to lose against.
Words infuse the confused purpose lent
to raise a level of practise in fresh breath.
Word levels life spent reaching all words
since words all spent still am I reaching into.
poem by Is It Poetry
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Fair Warning for the Ladies
If you want to retain your youth
don’t introduce him to your friends.
This a plain and simple truth
though your refusal may offend.
You cannot trust the best of friends
not to attempt to steal your guy.
Despite the fact that they pretend
that you can trust them completely.
Though you would trust them with your brass
and even with your credit card.
But men are in different class
in which you’ll find nothing is barred.
So if you want to keep your youth
believe my words they are the truth.
23-Jan-09
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poem by Ivor Or Ivor.e Hogg
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Words
Smile an ever lasting smile
A smile can bring you near to me
Don't ever let me find you gone
'Cos that would bring a tear to me
This world has lost its glory
Let's start a brand new story
Now my love
You think that I don't even mean
A single word I say
It's only words
And words are all I have
To take your heart away
Talk in ever lasting words
And dedicate them all to me
And I will give you all my life
I'm hear if you should call to me
You think that I don't even mean
A single word I say
It's only words
And words are all I have
To take your heart away
It's only words
And words are all I have
To take your heart away
Da da da da da da da
Da da da da da da da da da da
Da da da da da da da
Da da da da da da da da da da
This world has lost its glory
Let's start a brand new story
Now my love
You think that I don't even mean
A single word I say
It's only words
And words are all I have
To take your heart away
It's only words
And words are all I have
To take your heart away
It's only words
And words are all I have
To take your heart away
song performed by by Boyzone from By Request
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Fashions are a passing phase for friend Jon London
I read your words with greatest care
and try to see your point of view
Although sometimes I must declare
I find it difficult to do.
I hesitate to criticise.
Aware the fault may lie with me.
Nor dare I offer you advice.
You might resent it bitterly.
The messages you try to send
to me lack simple clarity
I cannot see what you intend.
It makes no sense at all to me.
Your random thoughts lack coherence
They’re neither poetry nor prose.
An unintended consequence
of fashions changing I suppose.
The way that poetry is taught
in schools and colleges today.
They do not know although they ought.
Anything goes is not the way.
Most modern so called poetry
can only be poetic prose
Although it’s written beautifully
Opinions differ I suppose.
I’ll stick to formal poetry
Perhaps I need the discipline
that rhyme and meter gives to me.
And free form verse I will decline.
2-Feb-09
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poem by Ivor Or Ivor.e Hogg
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The Things You Say
Words
Said in a careless huff as you walked away
Hurt
Words
Said in a whispered excited voice
Caused electricity in me
Words
Said in a caring loving way
Were a balm for the wound in me
Words
Said in an angry menacing way
Felt like daggers thrown at me
Words
Said like sugary sweet morning due
Caused my knees to go weak
Words
Words, Words, Words..
Your words have so much power over me
Words
Said like a magic spell
Have enchanted me
Words
You throw around those words so carelessly
Do you know
Words
How they have been affecting and inflicting me..
poem by Rabia Minhas
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A Poem Speaking 4 U
how is poem..?
not Thing is thear...
ALL ARE WORDS
SOME WORDS NICE
SOME WORDS SPICE
SOME WORDS NOTHING
SOME WORDS LOVELY
SOME WORDS BEAUTYFUL
SOME WORDS HUNGRY
SOME WORDS ANGRY
THATS ALL...
WRITE IT
LOVE IT...
THIS IS FOR OTHERS
U ARE READ YOURS...
THATS ALL
TAKE A LITTLE SMILE
LIFE IS THIS..
poem by Otteri Selvakumar
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So Much More
You're so much more to me
Than words can tell
Or the actions that you see
Beautiful, amazing, lovely, honest, loyal these words describe you well
But fail to show you for what you are
High above like a star
You're more than enough for me
But I can no longer hide
And just be friends, my feelings are so much greater- let them be
I just want to spend my life by your side
Because this love of mine I give to you
You who
I praise and adore
Yet no word and no action and no loving phrase
Could give you enough praise
Or do justice to my boundless love for you! But my heart is sore
And cannot wait
My love is too great
If only there was some word to describe the depth of
Of... my love, my love for you, how could I explain this love?
Because it's more than word and deed
More than a need
This love I have is more
So much more, three words will have to suffice so listen close
The only three words I know to express my love so lean in
I love you
poem by David Knox
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The f word and me
The other day we discussed reasons
why people use
the magical f word.
a Young woman is of the opinion
that it’s because of a lack of imperfect language,
where a person’s vocabulary
lacks other words to use.
I think that there are many more other reasons
to slip in everywhere
and that vocabulary
has very little
or nothing to do with it.
One thing that can incite it
is exposure,
where people hear it
hundreds of times
every day
like in an army.
Subsequently without intention
it becomes part of your conversation
and your own vocabulary,
without drawing any attention
with yourself.
The word f is a power word
that give colour intensity
to the meanings of other words
and it can underline, emphasize
or lift some out.
You can also use it as a word
that has many meanings
and use it like a good shifting spanner
that shift for meaning values.
This word can also
be almost any word type
that gives bigger power
to other words used with it.
The thing that really matters
what others read
in the meaning of my words
and if I loose integrity by using it.
There are times
my mother wants to catch a fit
when I use the f word
and not from the meaning
of my words,
but from the negative context
that can be drawn with the word
and the easy transfer
of the word on children that hear my dialogue.
[With thanks to Skymaster, whose article inspired this poem.]
poem by Gert Strydom
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Words
Words are my weapon
words are my shield
Guns and knifes just ruin lives
so words I keep concealed
Words are all I have here
they help me struggle on
Words are here forever,
when all I have is gone
In my thoughts or in my poems
Words will help ease my brain
I write down what is on my mind
Expressing love or feeling pain
Not that many I can trust
But words I can depend
Words wont turn there back on you
Words are my only friend
poem by Nic Hillen
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