My Words

   Words are powerful. In the hand of the skillful poet words become a creative means of expression that often provides a striking self-portrait. Plutarch noted, “In the words are seen the state of mind and character and disposition of the speaker.” In his first published collection of poetry, Terrence Carter, in his own Words, invites you to journey with him and to discover who he is, as he shares some of his views on life and love and relates some of his past and present experiences, both the joyful and painful.
In “Why I Write Poetry” Terrence explains his passion to write and offers this invitation:

. . . Flow with me on the river of my creativity
. . . .
All is opened and free
All these feelings going back and forth on these
Raging rapids of my creativity
Yet you feel a sense of tranquility
. . . .
And I let my writings become my mouthpiece
And I find tranquility in my poetry

Indeed, there is a quiet strength in the Words of Terrence Carter, bringing to mind a statement made by W. Gladden : ”Gentle words, quiet words, are after all the most powerful words. They are more convincing, more compelling, more prevailing.”
Terrence openly discusses some of the challenges he faces as he endeavors to live out his faith,
As a man who loves the Lord,
A man of integrity . . .
A man who not only knows . . .
But puts his knowledge into actions.

He acknowledges “Such a man is hard to find today.”
The ancient Chinese proverb reminds us: "If you wish to know the mind of a man, listen to his words." Terrence Carter invites you to read his Words and be enlightened.
As you listen and hear his voice, listen with your heart. As you read, consider:
words
oh these words
what they do
. . . .
words give me feelings that are diverse
what words do to me I've just said
what do words do to you?
words can only tell


-Lonnell E. Johnson, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus
Otterbein College