Words

O what dreams my mind produces
by twisting words’ hypotenuses;
words were meant to have a function,
but I use words without compunction.

Words have meanings, strict and rigid
when taught by minds both small and frigid
who miss the textures of their meanings
which lead to subtle, deeper gleanings.

Words can mean so much more
than definitions some adore.
So imagine my arcane delight
when I use the wrong word right!

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Note: It started as a calligraphy assignment back in college, because I needed a “Z” as an initial letter, and it only had one verse--the first verse of the current version with a different first line:
  Zounds what crud my mind produces…

While taking a course in the use of poetry as a means improving my knowledge of education, I remembered the project and realized, with editing and the addition of two more verses, it could reflect my thoughts on words.