[Jim Moonan]

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Revision posted.

Glenn, There's no escaping the fact that words are sounds. I tried to run with that in the revision. Thank you for your usual insights that so often mirror my own.

Roger, The Frost quote has always been a touchstone for me. I didn't think to include it until just before posting. You're right that it doesn't fit the poem. However, it occurred to me that it did approximate how I feel about the struggle to write. So in the revision I've worked it into the opening lines.

John, I sometimes hold my breath when I see you've commented. Your thoughts are always candid and to the point. You are a barometer to me. It's a relief to hear that what spilled out and was accidentally posted before I was ready to post it is good enough to earn your praise. I wonder if my revision still works for you.

Jayne, I regret the thread title. It's not an overstatement to say I'm embarrassed by it. Words humble me. I gave half-a-thought of sending you a PM to change then thread site to "Words". For now, I've changed the title but may want to change it again. I'm not overly concerned with the poem being too obscure without the specific mention of "words".

Joe, the Prufrock reference was intentional. I've largely moved away from it in the revision. Prufrock has been a constant in my life since I read it back in college. I identify with him.

Trevor, See my comments to Jayne on the title. Your suggested changes got me thinking about
abandoning the obvious "list" quality and instead focus on the sounds and rhythm, so thanks for that.

Jim, When I read your rewrite I thought, "This is it!" and got to work on building off of your suggestions. It led me to the revision I've posted. Thanks for that.


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