Gesticulation

hunger,pain,discomfort,
attention need, lead
the baby to whimper-
agitating feet,closing fingers,
sucking thumb as first sign
of gesticulation,
later broken words
added. At adult level
a warm handshake
is reality
unmediated with words
as intimacy passes
like breath between host
and guest;
Clapping and whistling
is mob ovation,a tap on the back,
a frown, a cold embrace
all understand, inherently,
the dumb use lifelong
pantomime
and so do those who lose words
and become hoarse
due to excessive yelling;
when two or more
language refugees meet,
converse through
sign language;
the maestro's baton
sways the orchestra
and the army chief's feet
and hands and stick,
synchronize
the soldiers' parade,
words are sectarian
invented
to label things
and often have to be
supplemented by motion
which alone conveys
meanings. A bereaved individual
at a funeral
just breaks down in tears!





Poetry by yoonoos peerbocus The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 167 times
star mini Editors' choice
Written on 2026-08-17 at 14:31

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Sameen The PoetBay support member heart!
The poem accumulates examples rather than developing them, so the reader moves from babies to mobs to refugees to orchestras without settling anywhere long enough to feel the stakes. The claim that motion 'alone conveys meanings' is strong, but the poem doesn't fully earn it. It tells us words fail, but never shows a moment where they do.
2026-08-25


Editorial Team The PoetBay support member heart!
Your poem has been chosen to be featured on the home page of PoetBay. Thank you for posting on our poetry website!
2026-08-24


Jamsbo Rockda The PoetBay support member heart!
Yes, they emphasize in expression.
2026-08-18