Feelings About Words

Some words clink
As ice in drink
Some move with grace
A dance, a lace.
Some sound thin:
Wail, scream and pin
Some words are squat:
A mug, a pot,
And some are plump,
Fat, round and dump.
Some words are light:
Drift, lift, and bright
A few are small
A, is and all.
And some are thick,
Glue, paste and brick.
Some words are sad:
“I never had…”
And others are gay:
Joy, spin and play.
Some words are sick:
Stab, scratch and nick.
Some words are hot:
Fire, flame and shot.
Some words are sharp,
Sword, point and carp.
And some alert
Glint, Glance and flirt.
Some words are lazy:
Saunter, hazy.
And some words preen
Pride, pomp and Queen.
Some words are quick,
A jerk, a flick.
Some words are slow:
Lag, stop and grow,
While others poke
As ox with yoke.
Some words can fly-
There’s wind, there’s high;
And some words cry:
“Goodbye…
Goodbye…”

— Mary O’Neill

Interpretation And Meaning

“Feelings About Words” is a poem by Mary O’Neill, an American poet known for her works primarily aimed at children and young adults. This particular poem explores the idea of the emotional power of words and how they can evoke various feelings and images. Here’s an interpretation of the poem:

In “Feelings About Words,” Mary O’Neill emphasizes the profound impact that words have on our emotions and imagination. The poem begins by highlighting the idea that words are not just ordinary symbols but rather magical and powerful tools that can stir our senses and create vivid mental pictures.

The poet suggests that words can be like treasures, revealing hidden emotions and unlocking the door to our innermost thoughts and feelings. This underscores the notion that words can transcend their literal meanings and become conduits for expressing complex emotions and ideas.

O’Neill also points out that words have the ability to transport us to different places, both real and imaginary, allowing us to experience a wide range of emotions. They can take us on journeys and adventures through the landscapes of our minds.

Furthermore, the poem acknowledges the unique quality of words to capture the essence of experiences, whether they are joyful or sorrowful. Words have the power to encapsulate the beauty of a moment or the pain of a memory, making them a potent vehicle for conveying the depth of our sentiments.

Overall, “Feelings About Words” by Mary O’Neill celebrates the transformative and evocative nature of language. It highlights the idea that words are not just tools for communication but also vehicles for exploring the depth and breadth of human emotions, imagination, and experience. The poem encourages us to cherish the magic of words and appreciate the profound influence they have on our lives.