Bob and Yves,
Well put, both of you. Those are really good posts (and I haven't put "really" just because we're discussing its use); you're right about "actually" as well, Bob.
Thinking about it, with this poem, it didn't occur to me to use "really" as filler, nor for extra emotional emphasis - it's simply what I say, and how I say it, because my husband has always really made me laugh!
It's a bit of a thin line between what's filler and what sounds natural; with the former, I think it tends to jump right out at you, in which case poets will point it out in their critiques. It didn't seem to pose too much of a problem with this particular poem, so I guess it's not a big deal. However, I'm always open to suggestions.
Thanks again.
Jayne
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