Rainer Maria Rilke in Les Roses wrote: “One single rose is all roses, and this particular one–unique, perfect, a supple word with which to speak the text of all things.”
I make my living with words. They include the words of others as well as my own. Sometimes the words flow easily. Other times, I sit in front of my word processor looking at a blank screen. I’ve heard authors say that they can spend hours trying to get just one line perfect. My problem is the clock. I don’t have the luxury of time to sit for hours and wait for the muse to inspire.
Words can make you smile. A few well-chosen words can bring you to tears. Words can transport you back to a place in time buried in your memories. They can also be the bridge that spans the distance between those who are estranged. They can unleash a torrent of emotions. Finely crafted words in a book can keep you up late. There have been many books I’ve been unable to put down simply because the author made the prose seem like poetry. Ray Bradbury is one of those authors. Some people have a way with words. They can convince you of just about anything. Some words are important no matter the speaker, while others are frivolous. These are some of the most important ones…
This was sent to me in an e-mail some years back. A short course in Human Relations. “The six most important words: ‘I admit I made a mistake.’ The five most important words: ‘You did a good job.’ The four most important words: ‘What is your opinion?’ The three most important words: ‘If you please.’ The two most important words: ‘Thank you.’ The one most important word: ‘We.’ The least most important word: ‘I’”–Author Unknown
Of course, there are three other important words. Nothing has ever been written to replace them. They are probably the most powerful words ever strung together. They are, “I love you.” Nothing can replace their simplicity.
“My name is Might-Have-Been. / I am also called No-More, Too-Late, Farewell.”–Author Unknown. There are also four words in the English language that can haunt one right up to the grave. They are simply, “If only I had…”
Tonight, I’m thinking of two other words that can inspire daydreaming.
Edith Wharton in Chapter Ten of A Backward Glance written in 1934 quoted Henry James as saying: “Summer afternoon-summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.”
…I agree.
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Don Jackson
This was very beautifully written. Our son is getting married next month and I’ve been looking for ideas for my speech during the reception. The section entitled, “The 6 most important words” is so fitting to read to my son & his new bride …thank you.
- june bennett