‘Common Currency’: A Poem by Peter Duff

.

Common Currency

There’s little written that cannot be said
in some way that misunderstands or read
as was not meant to be. There’s little heard
that’s taken just as meant. There is no word
confined by edges—words are not like coins,
though valued nonetheless; they don’t enjoin
some measured comprehension. They are soft
and pliable though certain at the core;
their boundaries alter, and they tender more
or less dependent on a stress or tone
of voice. Their meanings do not stand alone
but vary with the company they keep
and also with the context: said in sleep?
In jest, in anger, sorrow, or in answer?
Meaning can’t sit still; she is a dancer.

.

.

Peter Duff was born and lives in Blackrock, Dublin, Ireland.   When not practising law he writes poetry and plays drums. Peter has won second place twice at the Poetry on the Lake Festival in Orta, Italy.  More of his poems can be viewed on his website www.dailypoem.net.