All things considered, October 9th, 2007. I have a dream…All you need is love…Give me liberty or give me death. Each phrase is under ten words long, each phrase lacks diction and syntax. However, all three ultimately changed the lives of millions around the world whether it was through the vision of peace and love with the Beatles in the 60’s and 70’s, the idea of equality with Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963, or Patrick Henry’s opinion on the war of 1775. But honestly, how can this be possible? How can three little words such as I love you eternally shake the ground on which one fortunate soul stands?
I believe in the power of words and their ability to sway opinions, to touch every dark corner of a person’s soul, and to be so versatile that what was written for one person’s bad day can somehow lighten the life of another all the way across the never ending Pacific or maybe even next door . The power of words is not limiting. All of humanity has the ability to express themselves although for some it may be more complex. For this very reason sign language, Braille, and other forms of expression have been made available.
Actions usually begin as mere words, usually beginning with, “I wish…” or “I think…” In some cases this thought can accumulate such an influence over people that it can develop into another version of Martin Luther King Jr.’s movement against segregation. Words may also come in the form of lyrics. I personally find lyrics to be the most artistic, emotional, and powerful words all crammed into three minutes. It flows through the speakers in our bedrooms and in through our car stereos, and it touches the soul. It carries us through the day and is so visibly seen in the tapping of a pencil or the bobbing of a head. It comes in every genre, every language, and in every strong, universal message.
Moving to Bartlett, Illinois for my junior year was not by choice, nor did it appeal to me in any way. Moving had seemed to be my apocalypse, my kryptonite. How was I to leave the place that I called home for fourteen years without some sort of emotion? After finally saying goodbye to all that I knew I was forced upon this unknown environment, but I survived it. I survived it with music. I went through every emotion possible, from depressed and helpless to hopeful and optimistic, and with each emotion came a different song. These songs showed me that I was not alone and that this new place was only the beginning to the next chapter of my story titled Life. Yes, my story and the power of my words may not affect the world, let alone my neighborhood, but it saves me. Each and every day I am faced with something new and with the power of words these monsters do not seem so daunting.