Whose Words Have Stroked the Hair on the Back of Your Neck: Exploring the Power of Poems and Speeches

There are certain words that harmonize so well that they not only move us emotionally, but also create a physical sensation. I am not referring to the pleasurable tingling sensation of goosebumps (or horripilation) that can be triggered by music or art, but a reaction that is specifically derived from the power of poetry and powerful oratory. Whether it is the grandeur of Shakespearian sonnets or the tender sorrow of an elegy, there is a profound impact that these masterpieces can have on an individual. This article aims to explore the magical moments when words resonate deeply, causing the hair to stand on end.

Shakespeare's Sonnet LXXXVI: A Masterpiece That Moves the Heart

Even among the opulent and full sails of Shakespeare's sonnets, certain lines can cut through the soul and leave an indelible mark. In Shakespeare's Sonnet LXXXVI (When that verbose admiring of thy worth), there is a particular line that sets a different tone, capturing a moment that is both joyful and profound:

“... nor that affable familiar ghost / Which nightly gulls him with intelligents / As victors of my silence cannot boast / I was not sick of any fear from thence / But when your countenance filled up his linen / Then lacked I matter that enfeebled mine.”

These words are the second best rendering, suggesting a depth of emotion and a specific longing that words alone can capture. The speaker is moved not by any external force, but by a silent witness who, in his absence, gives the writer a sense of urgency and profound realization. It's clear that this poem has the power to evoke a deep, almost physical, reaction, making the hair on the back of the neck stand up.

A Speech That Stirs the Soul

Emotional resonance is not confined to poetry alone, as my personal experience attests. There is a speech that made me feel this way as well, even though I do not define this reaction as goosebumps. This speech, given by a dear friend, celebrated my country, and it touched me deeply. However, it is important to note that this experience is not the traditional goosebumps sensation experienced with music or art.

Elegy for a Little Girl Lost and the Power of Poetry

One of the most profound memories of feeling deep emotional resonance is through the elegy for a little girl lost, written by Michael R. Burch. This poem, filled with profound sorrow and a tender farewell, resonated with me when I first read it. The phrase “ad deum qui laetificat juventutem meam”, meaning “to the God who gives joy to my youth,” is a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of life and the enduring memory of the departed.

“She was the joy of my youth and now she is gone. May she rest in peace. Amen.”

This elegy not only evoked a sense of loss and the passage of time, but also a deep sense of comfort and peace, knowing that the girl will be remembered. The power of this poem lies in its simplicity and the profound emotion it conveys. It is a testament to the enduring impact of words and the connection they can make with the heart.

Conclusion

The power of words to move us, to evoke emotions, and to create a lasting impact is undeniable. From the tragic beauty of Shakespeare's sonnets to the tender sorrow of an elegy, these moments of deep resonance are not just about the words themselves, but the emotions they carry. Whether it is a poem or a speech, the words have a unique ability to touch the soul and make the hair on the back of the neck stand up. So the next time you read something that moves you, take a moment to appreciate the power of words in our lives.

Keywords: poem, speech, goosebumps