We can't let the craziness of today's world stifle creativity, humor, and all the other aspects of the artist's life. We have to maintain our equilibrium somehow. If, say, for me that means writing comic pieces about fairy tale characters and the inventor of the sliced bread machine in between occasionally coming up with political satire just to let people know I'm not oblivious, so be it.
Amen to that! Being able to escape by writing satire, or about things totally unrelated to the chaos in our country, are what are keeping me sane right now. Thanks as always for reading, Kathy!
It is a dilemma, Ben. We are in uncharted waters. Here’s something I have recalled many times over the years. It’s a poem.
If of thy mortal goods thou art bereft,
And from thy slender store two loaves alone to thee are left,
Sell one, and with the dole
Buy hyacinths to feed thy soul.
Written in the 13th century by the Persian poet Saadi.
Man does not live by bread alone. Yes, we are in very difficult times, and people are scared, not knowing what the future will bring. The poet reminds us that we need to pay attention to all the challenges that sustain life. But just as important are things that make life worth living. As a writer, Ben, you can use your writing to inspire, to teach, to produce wonder. Bring us some hyacinths. Write passionately. We need to go along for the ride.
Thanks as always for the kind words, Brent! I really enjoy the bits of media and poetry you share in your comments. You and my dad would really get along. Poetry has always been a huge part of my life. I often lament just how little I’ve been exposed to still.
I feel your angst and inner conflict here. It sounds like you came to a conclusion, at least for the moment. I have come to some conclusions while wandering thru Substack for 7 months. (Here comes the list.)
1) If it wants to get out, write it. Then, look at it later and see ïf you want to publish it.
2There is a fine line between mean and playful/funny. Know where the line is.
3) When you are mad, don't write to the person you are mad at. Be sure you understand what the issue is,let it go. I learned this the hard way.
Many rules I live by! I’m especially big of the “write out my anger at people but don’t necessarily send it until I cool off for at least a day or two” strategy lol.
We can't let the craziness of today's world stifle creativity, humor, and all the other aspects of the artist's life. We have to maintain our equilibrium somehow. If, say, for me that means writing comic pieces about fairy tale characters and the inventor of the sliced bread machine in between occasionally coming up with political satire just to let people know I'm not oblivious, so be it.
Amen to that! Being able to escape by writing satire, or about things totally unrelated to the chaos in our country, are what are keeping me sane right now. Thanks as always for reading, Kathy!
It is a dilemma, Ben. We are in uncharted waters. Here’s something I have recalled many times over the years. It’s a poem.
If of thy mortal goods thou art bereft,
And from thy slender store two loaves alone to thee are left,
Sell one, and with the dole
Buy hyacinths to feed thy soul.
Written in the 13th century by the Persian poet Saadi.
Man does not live by bread alone. Yes, we are in very difficult times, and people are scared, not knowing what the future will bring. The poet reminds us that we need to pay attention to all the challenges that sustain life. But just as important are things that make life worth living. As a writer, Ben, you can use your writing to inspire, to teach, to produce wonder. Bring us some hyacinths. Write passionately. We need to go along for the ride.
Thanks as always for the kind words, Brent! I really enjoy the bits of media and poetry you share in your comments. You and my dad would really get along. Poetry has always been a huge part of my life. I often lament just how little I’ve been exposed to still.
You got lots of time, Ben.
I feel your angst and inner conflict here. It sounds like you came to a conclusion, at least for the moment. I have come to some conclusions while wandering thru Substack for 7 months. (Here comes the list.)
1) If it wants to get out, write it. Then, look at it later and see ïf you want to publish it.
2There is a fine line between mean and playful/funny. Know where the line is.
3) When you are mad, don't write to the person you are mad at. Be sure you understand what the issue is,let it go. I learned this the hard way.
4) Write about what you ƙnow.
5) You can't solve the world's problems.
Many rules I live by! I’m especially big of the “write out my anger at people but don’t necessarily send it until I cool off for at least a day or two” strategy lol.
Don't Hesitate by Mary Oliver
If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy,
don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty
of lives and whole towns destroyed or about
to be. We are not wise, and not very often
kind. And much can never be redeemed.
Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this
is its way of fighting back, that sometimes
something happens better than all the riches
or power in the world. It could be anything,
but very likely you notice it in the instant
when love begins. Anyway, that’s often the
case. Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid
of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.
This poem often gives me comfort!