Never Underestimate the Power of Words

“A Sort of Song” (1944)

William Carlos Williams

Let the snake wait under

his weed

and the writing

be of words, slow and quick, sharp

to strike, quiet to wait,

sleepless.

— through metaphor to reconcile

the people and the stones.

Compose. (No ideas

but in things) Invent!

Saxifrage is my flower that splits

the rocks.

William Carlos Williams’ “A Sort of Song” can be viewed as general directions for writing poetry. He first compares poetry to a snake, slithering sneakily under weeds until finally striking. He then commands the reader to “Invent!” and goes on to compare poetry to a plant called saxifrage. Saxifrage is a plant that is often known as a “stone-breaker.” I believe that by stating that saxifrage is his “flower that splits the rocks,” Williams is using the metaphor of poetry breaking barriers.

Many times throughout history, poetry and literature have effectively broken barriers. Although protests and wars have obviously also done this, poetry and other works have had the ability to strongly, and often beautifully, impact society and the way it is run.

My first example of poetry breaking hardened barriers comes in the form of the works of Phillis Wheatley. Wheatley was born in Africa and around the age of seven was kidnapped and brought to Boston. She was taken in as a slave by the Wheatley family, who taught her how to read and write. She became the first African American poet whose works were published. She gained attention from many notable Bostonians, many of whom did not believe that she had the ability, as a woman and as an African American, to write what she had written.

Another example of the power of poetry can be seen in the infamous poem, “Howl,” by Allen Ginsberg. The poem, which begins, “I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness,” was written in 1956 as part of his collection of poems entitled “Howl and Other Poems.” Many at the time saw “Howl” as obscene and crude. After receiving its manuscript, publisher Lawrence Ferlinghetti was charged for obscenity by police. The case was brought to court, where Judge Clayton Horn wrote that the poem had “not been written with lewd intent.” The court’s decision was a win for poetry; it gave poets more freedom to write what they wish for the art and intention of their poems.

My final example? The Bible. Come on, folks, it’s the best selling book of all time. Which means, “the Bible is the best-selling book of the year, every year.” Research has also found that, as of 2006, the average American household owns four Bibles. With a track record this high, it is obvious that the Bible is the most popular kid in literary class, probably with the most expensive car. Reaching 91% percent of American households, the Bible has not only had a huge influence since the beginning of our society, but has been able to keep its tight grip on the popularity ladder ever since.

sources:

McChesney, John. “After 50 Years, Ginsbergs ‘Howl’ Still Resonates.” NPR 27 Oct 2006: n. pag. Web. 6 Apr 2010. <http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6393328>.

Lewis, Jone. “Phillis Wheatley.” Women’s History. About, n.d. Web. 6 Apr 2010. <http://womenshistory.about.com/od/aframerwriters/a/philliswheatley.htm>.

Radosh, Daniel. “The Good Book Business.” New Yorker 18 Dec 2006: n.pag. Web. 6 Apr 2010.<http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2006/12/18/061218fa_fact1>.