In the world of literature and creative writing, words hold a power that is often underestimated. With the right combination of words, an author can transport readers to different worlds, evoke emotions, and even change minds. This power of words can be described as word magic. **Word magic** is the art of using words in a way that goes beyond their literal meaning. It is about creating a connection between the writer and the reader, and allowing the reader to experience the story or message on a deeper level. When word magic is used effectively, it has the potential to captivate and engage the audience, leaving a lasting impact.
In “Hivemind Elegy (There are Things Coming)”, Stoddard enlists the imagery of that fatal mythical apple to speak of a surging ecological grief that is attending our descent from fossil fuel civilization. She writes, “Migration patterns may soon / become escape routes,”. We all know something is coming. We don’t know how bad it will be. Satan stands before us offering two temptations: embrace technological optimism or give up hope completely. I hear Stoddard facing her anxiety, tapping into her grief, but not making any sweeping claims about where this journey will take her.
The bishop intones a chant in the dark, lights the bonfire, and then lights a single candle whose light spread outward through the congregation s huddled candles. In Inheritance Rosarium , we trace the contours of a multigenerational shawl knit from the bodies and hearts of a grandmother, a mother and the author.
When word magic is used effectively, it has the potential to captivate and engage the audience, leaving a lasting impact. However, word magic is not limited to just literature. It can be found in various forms of communication, such as speeches, poetry, and even everyday conversations.
REVIEW: DIVINATION WITH A HUMAN HEART ATTACHED – EMILY STODDARD (GAME OVER BOOKS)
With flair rooted in a provision of cultural context and historical footing, Emily Stoddard shines in her debut collection of poetry. Going through the introductory portions of this book, one will easily see why Divination with a Human Heart Attached ( Game Over Books ) has attracted a commendable number of literary prizes. With such feats trailing this manuscript, in the nearest future, the author of this book will certainly come to be associated with the best.
Writing on themes of myth, surrealism, magic, and memory, the author proves they are at home with their chosen subject matter, easily helping us make sense of things that are difficult to understand and explain, such as love, loss, and the passage of time.
This body of work is stunning in the way it reimagines historical events, by adapting storylines from antiquity, and bending it to suit a grander purpose. It does this effortlessly by employing humor and incisive wit, dismissive of the temptation to play safe, thereby uncovering the Achilles heel of the divine, and left with the sole decision to tickle, or to stab it. The portrayal of “god”, who is a non-human entity, given human attributes is interesting and powerful, allowing access to an existence behind the blur.
“in those days, god
spoke in fish and flower
ran to us with heavy baskets
so we could not miss him
so we could not confuse him
with lesser forms
The poet’s ability to reimagine traditional myths, in a fresh and original way, is remarkable. The skillful use of elements such as language, imagery, and form, contribute to the overall impact of the collection. Emily writes with a grace that charms the curious mind to the otherworldly. With lyricism and emotion, they make the unfamiliar familiar, sharing their lens with readers through which they can study closely, the human condition.
Armed with surrealism, Stoddard breaks free from the constraints of reality in order to tap into the realm of the irrational and dreamlike. Another notable highlight is memory playing a big role in this book, as it helps us better understand ourselves and our past, for it provides a sense of continuity and connection, and can shape our personal and cultural narratives in unimaginable ways.
In the opening poem, “More & More”, we meet a persona who is in touch with their environment, and are not shy to mention its denizens, namely; the peacock, the sandhill crane, the hummingbird, the wolf and the bear at whose existence they “do not turn away”, given to “violent /reverence.” Emily Stoddard employs line breaks, giving a significant impact on the rhythm, sound, and meaning of the poem, as well as the others that follow. Dividing the poems into discrete units, line breaks often indicate a pause, or hesitation in the poet’s thought or speech, and can be used to create a sense of rhythm, or musicality in poetry.
In, “I was running to him”, we find imageries implying the relationship between “god” and “my father”, by a childlike dependence on their care and support. Both figures in the persona’s life also share a heartbreaking form of denial, after the persona helplessly “collapsed at his feet” in the act of seeking.
In “Inheritance Rosarium”, we find “a girl” with a will behind her own survival:
“As a girl, my mother overheard her grandmother praying
Every night after the little girl composed
counterweight prayers of live, live, live. “
For obvious reasons, I am tempted to consider this poem the centerpiece for its evocative tone, vivid recollections, distinct structure, stark imagery with resonance, among several other features that leave a lasting impression on the mind. Other poems, like “Swoon Hypothesis”, “Where did I leave my god”, “Here, amen is not amen”, and “Gallows Humor— or, The Trouble with Kingdoms” will call for my head if I fail to mention them as favourites.
This book, which charts the depths of feeling and humanity in a way that is both lovely and profound, is a well-deserved triumph. A portal into a world where everything sings to any ear that will listen, this book offers an uncompromising look at the human experience. It is therefore safe to join Emily in expressing gratitude in her very own words, “Thank you to the ancestors who helped me listen”. Undoubtedly, it is in this body of work she joins the choir of “Women in Praise of the Sacred”.
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Along the way there is an exquisite handling of imagery and motifs from nature which bring the reader fully into a vibrant landscape. And there is a collision between Babel and Pentecost and a probing of our longing for fulfillment in self-expression and language (Descendants).
It is about using language in a way that is creative, persuasive, and impactful. In recent times, word magic has experienced a renaissance. With the rise of social media and the internet, the power of words has become even more apparent. In just a few characters or words, individuals have the ability to stir up emotions, shape public opinion, and inspire action. In the age of viral content and memes, word magic has taken on a new form. Words are now combined with images, videos, and other forms of media to create a powerful message that spreads like wildfire. Whether it is a catchy slogan, a thought-provoking quote, or a captivating story, the power of words has the ability to reach millions of people in an instant. However, with this newfound power comes a responsibility. As the saying goes, "With great power comes great responsibility." As individuals, it is important to be mindful of the words we use and the impact they can have. Words can be used to uplift and inspire, but they can also be used to manipulate and deceive. In conclusion, word magic is a powerful tool that has the ability to shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions. It is an art form that has stood the test of time and has even experienced a resurgence in the digital age. As individuals, we have the power to use words to create positive change and make a difference in the world. So let us embrace the power of word magic and use it wisely..
Reviews for "The Healing Power of Words"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I was extremely disappointed with "Word Magic Born Again". The concept seemed interesting, but the execution fell flat for me. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with them. Additionally, the pacing of the story was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on while others were rushed. Overall, I found it difficult to stay invested in the book and ultimately lost interest before reaching the end.
2. Ethan - 1 star - "Word Magic Born Again" was a complete letdown. The plot felt disjointed and all over the place, making it incredibly confusing to follow. I couldn't make sense of the world-building or the magical elements introduced in the book, leaving me feeling frustrated and disconnected from the story. The writing style was also lackluster, with an overuse of unnecessary descriptions that only added to the confusion. I struggled to finish this book and would not recommend it to others.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - Unfortunately, "Word Magic Born Again" fell short of my expectations. The premise had great potential, but the execution left a lot to be desired. The writing felt juvenile and lacked sophistication, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. The dialogue was often forced and unnatural, which made it hard to connect with the characters. Overall, I found this book to be a disappointing read and would not recommend it to others looking for a captivating fantasy novel.
4. David - 2.5 stars - "Word Magic Born Again" had its moments, but ultimately failed to captivate me fully. The pacing was inconsistent, with some sections dragging on while others were rushed. The world-building was intriguing, but it lacked depth and left many questions unanswered. Additionally, the character development felt superficial, hindering my ability to emotionally invest in the story. Overall, while there were elements I enjoyed, they were overshadowed by the book's shortcomings.