Ode to Word Gatherers
By Victoria Simon

We are word gatherers because the words are already there.
We merely gather and rearrange them
Until they make sense and give meaning.

Dollars have value once the numbers are revealed at the mint.
A calendar gives order when months and dates are arranged.
A book gives meaning only after words are printed on the page.

Words drip from a poet’s lips descriptively the way
Sticky syrup drips from the lips of a five year old eating a popsicle
Words are tacked to the page declaratively by reporters the way
A sign is tacked to a telephone pole stating, “Lost kitten. If found, please call”.
Words flow to the playwrite conversationally the way
A river shapes the stones in its path, polishing the surfaces smooth.
But the novelist! The poor, poor novelist!
Words are typed in fits and starts erratically the way
Butterflies are caught in a net and some escape.

We are word gatherers discovering meaning in our own writing.
We write, we rewrite, we edit and we write some more
Until our gift is ready to share with you.
We are word gatherers.