Episode Notes
Our poem and episode today explore longing for words when we don’t have any. One of our deepest aches, especially while navigating the depth of pain or peak of joy, is to have words at our disposal to give shape and meaning to these experiences—for ourselves, our notebooks, our poems, and our explanations to someone who hasn’t experienced what we’re trying to communicate, but is offering support.
As we can be lonely in a crowd, we can feel lonely among language that doesn’t fit, doesn’t exist, or has been stripped from or imposed upon us. It’s often more disheartening to not be able to generate words when we can’t find the right ones in others’ poems, songs, books, therapy, etc. (the places we most often search).
Of course, we do frequently find words in these places and it’s worth considering that some of what we feel may never have adequate words. Even so, part of mental health in relationship with words is considering not just our mind (and the ways in which clinical jargon can isolate if it’s weaponized), but our body, and the intricate language that it offers us—one which we may be out of practice in communicating with. 
Here's an excerpt of the poem:
The language I need is nearly extinct.
Because you, body-brain, gave me my firsts—
like language long before words—
is it you who offers sounds, words, and sentences,
and then clicks them together like looping linked lights
swooping across lampposts like jungle vines?
Listen to this week's episode to hear the full poem! If you’d like to share your moment or memory on the podcast, please head to tinyurl.com/bravingthewaves.

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