By Mira Hubly, TIWP Student

Even if a picture is worth a thousand words,
each word is more delicate than we realize.
Words create boundaries and build bridges
across cultures, nations, and generations.
Words bolster culture, carry emotions,
and influence perceptions.
Any word can form beliefs,
entice people,
crush people,
anger people.
Words are in our power
to hold, keep, define.
We’re lazy with words.
But we can strip them of their control
as they spill out,
as we use love and hate
for more than they may apply to,
to blur valid human emotions and experiences.
Words can place blame and define who’s responsible.
Our words can propel us into the future
as they remain or change
creating images and ideas.