Words, words, words.

A collection of written works all relating to different literary pieces from different parts of the world.

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    Literature has been a part of human civilization since the dawn of time. The human mind is full of ineffable wonders and creativity that is perfectly captured by Literature alone. It has the power to teach us that every one of us has the ability to capture experiences, thoughts, opinions, fiction, and basically everything through words. And throughout my learning experience, I was able to catch a glimpse of what beauty the human mind really holds. The authors that we have tackled and discussed including their body of works has truly been inspiring and moving. They have not only used literature to be an outlet of their mind, but they have also used it to embody culture and society, itself.     The world is a very big place and everywhere you go, you will be met with diverse culture, all beautiful in their own way. From the traditions of Japan to the practices of Pakistan, to the lifestyle of North Americans contrasting that of Africa and how each culture have their own set of norms and deviances. I know it would be impossible for me to learn each and every one of them, but through mutual respect of culture is enough for me to show that I value culture. And what easier way to do this than with literature.     Before, I was only limited to the broad definition of Literature as just simply being books, poems, and stories. But now, I see that to express oneself, to rebel, to speak up, to celebrate, to remember, to forget, to capture, to set free, to live, to die is to be human. And Literature can be the medium of which this can all happens, albeit, in a different way.     We may be able to communicate ourselves with other, that we may be able to let others see from different perspectives and be enlightened, as opposed to just being stuck from one’s own point of view. 21st-century literature, in itself, can be the perfect means of how our generation can truly understand foreign culture. And it is most crucial and vital in our time today, especially where mixing of culture, tourism, and globalization is rapidly growing.    So, how does one understand literature as a means of culture and thoughts. The first and logical step to take is to understand the text itself. Only then you will analyze it through critical reading by really taking in all its contexts. Whether it be, biographical (through the author), sociocultural (his culture) and historical (the country’s background). With this said I see literature as a mirror to society, wings for the mind, and most of all, food for the soul.

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Alice Walker is a novelist, short story writer and a political activist. She was born on Feb 9, 1944, in Putnam County, Georgia, U.S. Her body of works are mostly African-American Literature. She coined the term “womanist” as she said that feminism is only exclusive to white women. The poem, Women,  is written for her mother who was a former slave. Throughout the poem, she was compared to military officials as a metaphor to how they always fought for their rights. All for the sake of equality and the right to access privileges like education.

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The Girl Who Could Do Anything

            Her eyes hold no light and reflected back to me the infinite cosmos. I was forever stuck gazing in her innocence. Dozens upon dozens of fireflies all illuminating light that strikes the hoarfrosts of the plants. In my arms, a baby, as we wander across the woods. I look up and see nothing but the midnight blue sky. I look at the baby in the eye and I can’t help but feel guilty.                 My niece, Miyo was an orphan. Her father died in an accident while her mother left Miyo to me, and ran away. Folks in my village would say how unlucky this child is. Her words hold power. Power more than anyone could ever imagine. Nigh omnipotence, so to speak. I do not know the origin of this nor do I have any idea how it works. All I know that is whatever she speaks into existence the word then appears, exists, happens, repurpose, reimagine. Miyo is no less than a year old and she is unable to speak in complete sentences nor is she able to utter phrases for that matter.  How do I know she possess such power, you may ask. I have seen her perform these feats with my own eyes.                 With one utter of the word milk, she was able to have a bottle appear in her hand. And at first, I was in complete shock. I immediately came to my senses and have her speak words and test this power myself. I’ve made her say gold, riches, money, a castle, and all the good things in life and yet somehow, this never felt enough. I taught her how to utter words like lands, wives, livestock, swords, and all the things I ever wanted in life. Little by little, I saw how her bright blue eyes turn gray. I had this checked to the village doctor. And he said, he had never seen anything like this in his life. Rumors of witchcraft began to circulate our doorsteps and I wasn’t happy with this. Miyo is still unable to speak in complete sentences but I did my best to get her to say “The people in the village to disappear.” And so they did.                Day by day, I’ve asked for all the luxuries in life and Miyo, being the baby that she is, would say all the words I’ve taught her again and again. I see in her gray eyes that her pupils are turning white. I am concerned. I waved my hands back and forth and I seem to get no reaction from her. Has my niece gone blind? My heart raced and my eyes cried but without tears. I’ve turned Miyo into a human bat.  I tried to get her to say sight, vision, see, but nothing seems to work. Miyo uttered the words I’ve taught her and she did not breathe them into existence.                 I was in shock and I didn’t know what to do. I sat down on the floor and caught a glimpse of my reflection and saw my eyes. My eyes that were blue of color, the color of which Miyo’s eyes used to look like before.                 Miyo no longer had her gift. I’ve used it all up. And in the process, I took away something precious to her. Guilt runs through my spine and I feel it choking me in my throat. What horrible deed have I done to Miyo? If only I’ve taught Miyo letters and words, If only I’ve taught Miyo how to walk, If only I haven’t abused Miyo’s gift, If only I’ve had her utter Papa instead. Countless thoughts start to enter my head and I just couldn’t take it anymore.                 I took Miyo to the woods and saw nothing but the dark sky without stars to illuminate our path. The moon be witness to my sins and as we wander. fireflies gather, all seeming to gossip to the plants sending shivers down through the cold air. I was forever stuck gazing in Miyo’s innocence as her eyes held no light and reflected back to me, an empty soulless reflection of the cruelty I’ve had enacted.