THE WRITTEN WORD . . .
Tuesday, February 10th, 2009
Did you know that the invention of writing was first achieved by the Sumerians of Mesopotamia somewhat before 3000 BC and by Mexican Indians before 600 BC? Egyptian writing began about 3000 BC and Chinese writing by 1300 BC.
And what about in the New World? Scientists have now uncovered evidence of what is believed to be the earliest form of writing ever found in the New World. The discovery was based on glyphs carved on a cylindrical seal used to make imprints and on greenstone plaque fragments found near La Venta in Tabasco, Mexico. The writings were produced during the Olmec era, a pre-Mayan civilization, and are estimated to date from 650 B.C.
Fascinating stuff, writing. Writers angst over it, study it, and strive hard to construct sentences that, when strung together, will produce the next best seller. Writing comes to us in a thousand venues, novels, essays, magazine articles, billboards, and even eulogies.
One of my favorites is proverbs. Yes, I’m a proverbs nut. So few words and so much meaning. Today, I leave you with a few of my International favorites to ponder. With some, their meaning is clear, others you might have to think about for a minute. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Pray that you will never have to bear all that you are able to endure.
Jewish Proverb
If a man is destined to drown, he will drown even in a spoonful of water.
Yiddish Proverb
When the sky falls we’ll catch larks.
Irish Proverb
A lie travels round the world while truth is putting her boots on.
French Proverb
Write kindness in marble and write injuries in the dust.
Persian Proverb
However long the night, the dawn will break.
African Proverb
Keta Diablo writes for Phaze, Siren Publishing, Ravenous Romance and Noble Romance. You can find her on the web at http://www.ketadiablo.com. Watch for her novella, Crossroads, coming from Phaze in March of 2009.
