Abuse of Words

How we abuse words
We twist and deform…
We rape them of their true meanings
And inseminate them with our own
Changing their forms
To fit what our hearts dictate
The worst abuse
Is when we call someone “friend”
Making a word so beautiful
Becomes an instrument of pain
           FRIEND
When the truth is something other
It is LOVER.....it is L O V E R
Loved one…Love interest….Beloved....yet…
To hide our own insecurities
To protect ourselves from falling
To stop our hearts from calling
Only to risk rejection
To stop our minds from spinning
SO OUT OF CONTROL
We play it safe
In our comfort zones 
And we call a loved one….
~~~~~~FRIEND~~~~~~

Eileen Manassian
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Lamoureux Avatar
May 4, 2020 at 9:54 AM
These were good days. It’s cool to see Timothy back commenting. It makes it feel a bit more like old times. Hugs Rick.
Hicks Avatar
October 30, 2014 at 11:59 PM
Words are not to be trifled with. When something leaves our mouth we better mean it... I understand what you mean, about lover, loved one, having more of an impact than just mere friend. HOWever I have also heard people claim you should marry your Best Friend. To each their own, I suppose. I've always loved how you can pack a punch with carefully selected emphasis on specific words... just out of curiosity your name used to be Eileen Ghali on this site, but now it's Manassian.
Lamoureux Avatar
October 18, 2014 at 6:55 PM
I enjoyed reading this one again. I have missed you today. I hope your intenet is back up and working.
Dietrich Avatar
August 19, 2014 at 9:03 AM
Just read your poem. For me loved one is different from lover but friend can be both of them. I think we have to choose our words carefully depending on the situation. that is what I LOVE about words. You can change your meaning so easily with just one word slipped into a conversation or poem. The power of words is something!!
Manassian Avatar
August 21, 2014 at 3:35 AM
Yes, Andrea. I'm totally taken by the nuances of words. How they thrill me. It is incredible. Thanks for reading and posting this! I thoroughly enjoy your visits. Hugs
Dietrich Avatar
August 19, 2014 at 9:01 AM
Eileen, the critter in my witch poem is not the husband, it's the mouse man that the witch caught while she was still married to her husband, before she divorced the husband! It's actually a true story I'm telling but I never want for this witch to realize there is a poem about her here!!
Lamoureux Avatar
August 19, 2014 at 8:47 AM
When I was young and single I was in love with a woman and she used the dreaded friend word, the romantic kiss of death. Great job Eileen you expressed it well.
Manassian Avatar
August 21, 2014 at 3:36 AM
The kiss of death it surely is! Thank you for reading my work, Richard, and for taking the time to post a thoughtful comment. Hugs
Lindley Avatar
August 19, 2014 at 8:23 AM
A great write my friend!!!! It is great when the combination of love and true friendship exist. I have that with my wife! Not great when one is in love but the other thinks only friendship. Been there, done that , so long , long ago. ------------------------------------------------ Cut like a knife, ruined my life, birthed miser , pain and strife!!!
Manassian Avatar
August 21, 2014 at 3:31 AM
I'm so happy for you, Robert. Happy that you have a good life now. :) Thank you for reading and posting comments. They are so well appreciated. Have a great beginning of a day when you wake up.
Devonshire Avatar
August 19, 2014 at 2:06 AM
Dear Eileen, How sad it is that we lack the fortitude to express our true feelings more clearly. "Friend" can be a catch-all. If a person is more than a friend, we should let them know and move out of "our comfort zones." Awesome write! (And it's nice to meet you, Eileen. I have an illness that prevents me from staying online very long, but I'm so glad I saw this one tonight!)
Manassian Avatar
August 21, 2014 at 3:34 AM
Carolyn, sorry for my late reply to your post about the abuse of words on Friendship. I totally agree with you on being upfront and honest about it. I've been told I'm TOO honest. This in my evaluation as Programming Manager for a Christian Broadcasting Station. It can get me in trouble at times. I realize I need to be more careful, but the lack of honesty at times is SO frustrating. Thanks for understanding. I'm sorry to know that you are dealing with some form of illness my dear. I hope you find grace for each day. Hugs
Bordner Avatar
August 19, 2014 at 1:39 AM
Your poem is so important and sweetly cogent Eileen. I'm happy to say that there isn't a person in my life that I love who doesn't know that I love them for certain. Your heart is kinda ragein, love the intensity my...Beloved Poetess...J.A.B.
Manassian Avatar
August 19, 2014 at 1:56 AM
:) Justin....I cherish the TITLE you have given me. It sits well in my heart. Thank you for it. :) It does me good. You are the Warrior Poet. It suits you well, for you have the spirit of a warrior with the passion to match....a lovely mix. BP
Chircop Avatar
August 18, 2014 at 5:25 PM
A wise and honest poem.Yes we spill words and deform.them at times.We use words such as lover,love,friend without realizing the profound true meaning of being a lover ,a loved one,a friend,a stranger and so on..Wise wise words sweety.Tnks for stopping by..Trying to catch up..though Im trying not to get too hooked on ps at the same time dear.
Manassian Avatar
August 19, 2014 at 12:02 AM
Yes, my dear...I've missed you. Getting hooked to PS...I know that feeling, for I am terribly hooked. I'm on summer break...FINALLY, but my husband is busy. Our schedules rarely coincide and so....this fills my time. Others are on vacation, and I wait for that time to come for me. Perhaps beginning of next month. Till then, this fills a void. Thanks for the visit, sweetie. You are always welcome here. Hugs
Smith Avatar
August 18, 2014 at 3:21 PM
So true sweetie....Nobody likes rejection..They would rather play things safely than risk it all or nothing....hugs Tim
Manassian Avatar
August 19, 2014 at 12:02 AM
Ain't THAT the truth?! I know...It is understandable. It doesn't make it right. Thanks for visiting me, Tim. Hope all is well with you. Hugs
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