64 Comments

This is so true: And it’s all about allowing yourself to be vulnerable and ugly and using creative writing to connect with others in solidarity and with the understanding that life can be brutal and punishing

Expand full comment
author

<3 thank you, my friend

Expand full comment

Thank you, I didn’t know others were outlying as far until I stumble upon your publication! 💕

Expand full comment

Paul Hewson a.k.a. Bono.

Expand full comment
author

YES. of course. aka Bono. ;)

Expand full comment

Hi Franco! I noticed you followed me on Substack. Thank you!

One thing that would help me in research for my own writing is accessing the databases on the website for the New York Public Library. Of course, as a citizen of Florida, I can't access that or get a library card.

Do you happen to have a library card for the NYPL? If so, would you mind sharing me the bar code number and PIN so I could access the databases, like say, Factiva or GQ Archive?

Sincerely,

Michael C. Moore

West Palm Beach, FL

Expand full comment

I agree that the more people are acknowledged for the work they do, the easier it can be for most of us to get through the day. A simple 'thank you' or a sunny smile of appreciation can be enough to lift someone's day and provide the encouragment needed to turn a life around and make it stronger.

Expand full comment
author

Absolutely ❤️ that's all it takes sometimes

Expand full comment

Kindness, especially online goes such a long way.

Expand full comment

It so does, Marc, the long tail of love, for anyone who most needs it. 💛☀️✨

Expand full comment

Most people today are lazy in the sense, that reading a poem is work. Therefore they are not inclined or motivated to read but if you and other poets could find a way to synthesize your words with music to transform a thought, motivation, explanation or vision to see a prism of life revealed with a beat. Voila ! A friend with musical inclination may help to put chords and lines together. Just an idea, rumor that could be discussed at the water fountain.

Expand full comment
author

Hey Stephen. Thanks for your message, I appreciate it. There certainly is a natural beat to poetry and language and conversation that is as organic as music. Though I'm of the opinion that not every writer needs to be a musician. Yes, many musicians are poets. And vice versa. But we all have our modalities. Writers write. Because people are lazy is not necessarily a reason to make things easy for them. The best thing is to challenge people to appreciate all forms of art. Sure, not everything will stick, but that's the beauty of everyone liking something different. :) so yes, many thanks for reading and taking the time to comment.

Expand full comment

Franco you are most welcome. Individualism and authenticity are paramount to most artists but my main thrust was how to capitalize on your creativity.

Expand full comment
author

agreed!

Expand full comment

I also appreciate the stillness of the night.

Great poem, Franco

Expand full comment
author

:) thanks, Michael. May the stillness of the night bring you strength.

Expand full comment

Excellent read; needed at the moment.

Expand full comment
author

:) I'm glad. Thank you, Joe

Expand full comment

Chipping away at the pretense. Heard.

Sometimes I move away from writing in the moments I am scared to be seen because i know my words will reveal to me the stuff that can’t be masked over. Isn’t it beautiful that the greatest tool for excavation and revelation lies right in our hands - in the simplicity of fingers holding a pen. The great revealer.

Expand full comment
author

So true. I think we need to use that fear to guide us, to help us unearth ways of expressing things that we never even knew we were capable of. As soon as we start to experience that hesitation, that’s a clue that it’s probably something worth exploring in our writing and we should dig deeper. Thanks, Kimbra.

Expand full comment

Beautiful writing and sentiment. Thank you!

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, L.R. I appreciate it.

Expand full comment

Great poem, and I enjoy the format with you explaining things, your favorite lines, etc.

I consider myself a poet of love, so thanks for the shine.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, I'm glad you're digging the format 🙂

Expand full comment

love this so much 🥹

Expand full comment
author

thank you 😊🙏

Expand full comment

I can so relate.. I’m a creature of the night as well (credit to Rocky Horror lol).. beautifully said. I look fwd to checking out Scuzzbucket. ;)

Expand full comment
author

thanks, Julia. Night owls always welcome :)

Expand full comment
Dec 1, 2023Liked by Franco Amati

applauding gratitude

Expand full comment
author

Thank you Alixandra ❤️

Expand full comment

The people on the receiving end of your support greatly appreciate it.

Expand full comment
author

Likewise. Thank you, R.S. ❤️

Expand full comment

You're welcome. I look forward to your words.

Expand full comment
author

:)

Expand full comment
Dec 1, 2023Liked by Franco Amati

favorite line: "because the act, it does itself in me"

Expand full comment
author

:) thanks, Ria

Expand full comment
Dec 1, 2023Liked by Franco Amati

Franco, the warmth has a knowledge of its own- is a beautiful line.

Expand full comment
author

<3 thank you

Expand full comment

I agree with your choice of favorite lines. I also agree with the power and essence of the role of creative writing you lay out.

Expand full comment
author

thank you, Stanley :)

Expand full comment

Just call me Stan

Expand full comment
author

it's an honor, Stan. Nice to meet you on here.

Expand full comment

Thanks, ha ha not sure how much an honor but at least it’s less typing. It’s good to meet you too.

Expand full comment