I know a little about speechlessness – about its backstage management, cluttered with props and crowded with the hustle of participants involved in the onstage performance.  It’s a tricky language, its parts of speech are distributed into movement – a grimace, a grin, a gesture, and even transferred to an object, even one misplaced.  Context is everything, but it’s sometimes hard to find the connection. Touch intensifies intention – leading hand over hand – you must be present to hear…

If Soul opens soul
through the eyes, understanding
happens In the gut

It’s hard work.  I love words, they embellish and elaborate, but speechlessness has taught me more about voice; voice is embodied.  The angel silenced Zechariah’s arguments and deepened his voice.

© 2016 – Laurel Archer

Photo Credit – John Archer
Poetry form – Haibun