This is something I wrote a few years back and felt it needed to be tidied up a bit.
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I have come to the conclusion that naming a thing perhaps lessens it's value. Words are deviant. They may be necessary tools of human communication, but in reality they are only symbols of a thing, rather than the thing itself.
I could say "Look, there is a lake." But what have I said? I might rather have pointed out the thousands of sparkling reflections of sunlight, or the splashing sounds of a log as it bounces on the surface. While someone else envisions a source of an evening's meal, or the elementary composition of liquids. They might say "No. This is too small. It is, rather, a pond." While I have thoughts of frogs perched on lily pads.
In calling it a lake, I have provided too narrow a definition. Then, again, perhaps too broad. It would be better if I had pointed out the sounds or the tiny splashes and twinkling reflections. Would I be wiser to reference the way in which the water sways, or make note of the scent of bedding trout.
So now, I think I should refrain from calling it a lake again because, in doing so, I've lessened it's value.
© Rachelle
To He Who Created
And so she says to he who has created her:
I could embrace you as a wife embraces her husband, or name myself your immortal soul. I could declare that I am more than myself. And still, I would ask, who am I? What solid thing should I lay claim to and what name shall be my true definition?
I should resolve to cease my attempts to give meaning to myself. It is a futile endeavor. If from you I was taken, only by you may I be defined. If it is you who has created me, then it is only you who can name me or give me purpose.
© Rachelle
Also see Name Me
