Why Words Fail

Words will always fail us, for a word is not merely a word. They are your words- each word is not just a word. It is every connection and subtextual thought and associated meaning that a world hold for you. Tree to me may draw to mind the awe-inspiringly enormous redwood, noble and enduring though delicate- deserving of reverence and respect. Tree to you may remind you of the problematic, smothering ficus you grew up next door to, forever blocking the sun, raining debris, and upheaving sidewalks with massive, twisting roots. My speaking of trees may not have the same unconsciously positive associations underlying my story that I may intend it to, as it does for me, when it is heard by you. Our words may be the same, but their meaning is far from similar. This is why our words continually fail us, yet they are the only tools we have to attempt to convey what we mean, what we want to get across to others. Perhaps this is why, despite sharing everything we possibly could say, we will forever have only ourselves as company in the worlds of our heads.