How many times do we hear the phrase, “Words cannot express”? Or, “If only I had the words…”
The complexity of human situation often seems to challenge the fact that the purpose of words is to express this very complexity. Every time we utter the above phrases, we are not so much giving testimony to our depth, but to our frustration in not being able to utilize the language for its very purpose.
The obligation of writers is to extract every mechanism from language in service of the expression of the human condition. Expression may be all that is due from us; others have the responsibility to use the fruits of our work in their own particular arenas of endeavor. Writers, therefore, have the opportunity to better the human condition in ways they may never know.
You’re so right. SO many times I hear that phrase “Word cannot express…” and I’m like that’s what writers are for and I fill myself with determination never to say that.
By: American Muslima Writer on January 12, 2009
at 2:04 pm
Thanks for reading and commenting on this. I’m surprised more people have not done so. Words can, indeed, express. Witness all of our blogs. Witness the major books througout human history that have influenced humankind. I, too, never want to say, “Words cannot express.”
By: Marahm on January 12, 2009
at 3:41 pm
There are times when words cannot express, or when words cannot fully express, because within that time and space there are no words, there is the silence, there is something more than words can convey.
Like those times when it’s said “An angel just came through.” These are times when even when no one is speaking, and the usual household sounds disappear. There is silence … soundlessness, wordlessness.
Sometimes, it isn’t necessarily that you couldn’t write it … or write it later. It’s simply that when you place words to a thing or experience, the words become a framework, in a sense a boundary in their description of what you are trying to convey.
Sometimes the best description, the best conveyance is to draw near, but let it be as it is without words.
It draws out in its own time, words come when it’s time. So during the midst of, there are no words.
By: Susan on March 2, 2009
at 3:28 pm
You are right, Susan. When I wrote this post, I hadn’t yet discovered that words sometimes limit expression by erecting a boundary around a boundless subject.
Then my father died. It’s been nearly a year, and I have not been able to write about it in any depth. The grief of losing someone as dear as a wonderful father cannot be expressed in words.
However, I may try to write about it, piecemeal, bit by bit, the only way such an event can be written. I don’t know.
By: Marahm on March 2, 2009
at 8:43 pm
salam for all here
its realy a very soft warm expression when we say words can,t express the real feelings . as susan said the silence will control on every thing and you feel that the time stopped and every thing is calm .and this is the most expression we can feel in that time and its the most great one ! you will feel yr self in a unexpected pleasureand wormth and happiness or sadness .that depends on the situation that we are passing in in that moment.and i think its the right thing to just listen and dream or think or go to the space in your mind to feel the needed feeling to the unlimeted .
By: 4ORTHY on August 19, 2009
at 9:37 am