Margaret Atwood

Power in the O,

Language manipulates neurons.

Language makes new.

O for opinions,

for obtruction, obedience, onomatopoeia?

or O for nothing

for zero for empty for

No, O

for obsidian,

sleek and dark and jagged sharp;

O for outgrown, forever

growing, going, gone

Out of our control.

The O is unpredictable

beautiful and dangerous

power in our selves

being, Speaking, believing

something.

ending

where we all begin.

That was the end of the poem I think I just need to write a note explaining it - this is based off of a line from "You Begin" by Margaret Atwood where she refers to the mouth as an O, as if talking to a child. This intrigued me because it is such an abstract way to think about language - it can be ANYTHING you want it to. That line (and many of her other poems) have truly inspired me so I wanted to pay homage to her and also language as a whole! Language is power and freedom and I find that truly inspirational! It's very short but I feel it has a lot of meaning, thank you for reading!