How do you spell contradiction?

Blog 5: Write a poem or a short prose passage that illustrates the ways in which language can be both a prison and a release from prison.

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Woman

Parent

Avid reader

Outspoken

Extrovert

Articulate, some would say

Learning support officer

University student

Literature minor

History major

Distinction student

Honours candidate

Dis

Dys

Dyslexic

Cant spell

Line skipper

Tripper of words, new words, old words, all words

Stumbles

Caught in my mouth, unheard syllables make no sounds

How do you spell pronunciation?

Academic level vocab vanishes without exhaustive repetition

Even then……..

High achieving incompetence

Excelling failure

Amateur master

Degree in spell-check

Conventions restricting my only language

Are you free from freedom of speech

When you aren’t free to speak freely

Restricted, no

Trapped…

Trapped by expression

Trapped by a prison I can’t spell.

Though this listing style poem may seem simple it was incredibly difficult to write. Both in a literal sense and also emotionally. I have attempted to represent the freedom of being a lover of language and the many labels and freedoms that brings with the stark contrast of having a cognitive language disability and the limitations, restrictions and fears that can place on an individual. I wanted to try to use the words and their sounds to bring a depth to the poem, an extra layer to help convey the message in addition to their meaning.