Sculpting Words

It begins with a large block, imperfect, bulky, and unwieldy. Clumsy clanks of the chisel and hammer. Chunks, shards, and excess ugliness fall to the ground. A paragraph here, a passage there. More precise aiming, smaller pieces break away revealing a familiar shape, but not quite recognizable. A transformed sentence, or a different phrase. Less force and more detail; revisiting the more careless hits and making the shape more detailed. A smaller chisel is used to make the curves and crevasses; the eyes and mind can flow. A changed word, or a comma added. Rough edges polished, now it is clear that something has been created. The detail and continuity of shape are now admired rather than observed. Beguiling, inspirational, emotional, a piece of art for the mind to explore and contemplate; a new perspective, or a comfortable affirmation. Written work can take many shapes and forms, but there is no doubt that writing is an art, no different than a sculpture. Whether abstract or familiar. The finished piece is admired, appreciated, and valued: Not by all, but by those that matter.