War of Words

I made the unusual move, for me, of posting something mildly political on Facebook recently, and was naively surprised when some trollish types emerged from the bogs they normally swim in to air their grievances with what I’d shared. Oh, the clever barbs I began composing in reply, some of which were even based on what I considered the truth. I’d show them what it means to bring their dreck onto my feed. I’d put them in their place, is what I’d do.

The problem is that writing is writing, whether it’s a story or a poem or a FB response, and that means I felt every word I wanted to write as it began forming in my mind. They didn’t feel good. They felt like war, not like peace. I know the difference because there isn’t one moment in my life where I would prefer war over peace. Of course, the post itself had to do with a war that was currently on-going. War is a terrible choice; unfortunately, sometimes it’s the only one available. I do not envy anyone cornered into such a position, which is why I posted what I did.

But that did not mean I should wage my own little war of words. I did have choices, and plenty of them. I may have felt a bit like I was being invaded, but I had posted in a public square for all to see, and so it belonged equally to anyone who chose to read it. I learned a long, long time ago that war requires two participants. If you decline the invitation to battle, the other is left fighting with the ghosts of his enemies, cursing on street corners, swinging at the open air and hoping something comes along he can hit. Or, better yet, he gives up the war himself; it’s his choice.

Just as I choose every word that goes on my page, and in so doing find my way to the story I want to tell, so too I have to choose peace again and again and again. Wars are fought because of little decisions we make, each that lead us and lead us toward a conflagration that only seemed inevitable because it was quietly in the works for so long. If you want a good ending, you need a good beginning and middle. Pay attention to every choice; they all matter exactly as much as you think your life matters.

Check out Fearless Writing with Bill Kenower on YouTube or your favorite podcast app.

Everyone Has What It Takes: A Writer’s Guide to the End of Self-Doubt
You can find William at: williamkenower.com