it's a good point. This is something I've thought about quite a bit. It's a very human thing to want to be tied to the past, and have continuity of self over the years. We want to believe that the parson who existed years ago is still here, even if there's an abundance of evidence to the contrary. I believe it has to do with wanting to maintain a coherent sense of self.
thank you T.K! Fortunately you don't have to kill.
I've published dozens of stories in various magazines (online and in-print) they just have not been given the substack treatment yet. You can find them on my website: francoamatiwrites.com
maybe in the future I'll narrate or do commentaries for some of them, we'll see...
Sooo good. I had this same thought. For years now I've been wondering 'when are things going to go back to normal' but I guess I have to realize that normal is relative and things will never go back to that illusion of what I thought life was supposed to be. Needed to read this Franco. Thank you,
I seem to spend a lot of time pining for an Anne-of-Green-Gables sort of time that I never even lived! Of course, I'm sure it wouldn't have been so great if I had actually lived then, anyway.
Wallowing in the past at this time of year is a mixed bag for sure, but it almost feels like we are supposed to with so much music and repeated surroundings and rituals. We can always make new memories, thanks for the uplifting ending!
You always end on a positive, or at least, a hopeful note, Franco. I appreciate that. For me, childhood was filled with uncertainty. I much prefer the independence of adulthood.
It’s the trying that keeps us alive 💕 I agree…looking back is so often rose-tinted nostalgia. Being excited by what’s ahead is where we get our fuel to keep going.
I so needed to read this. Great piece, I'm still wrangling with my past self and life. Even looking at it through a different lens is chicken soup for the soul. Always a great perspective, Franco. 😊
Love this. "Remember when" is the lowest form of conversation." Nostalgia is totally overrated. Well expressed and beautifully read.
Nostalgia is overrated? But why do so many of use do it and hold it with such reverie?
it's a good point. This is something I've thought about quite a bit. It's a very human thing to want to be tied to the past, and have continuity of self over the years. We want to believe that the parson who existed years ago is still here, even if there's an abundance of evidence to the contrary. I believe it has to do with wanting to maintain a coherent sense of self.
thank you Blake. Invoking the great Tony Soprano. Couldn't have said it better. Cheers.
Solid writing. I really liked this one.
I'd kill to read a short story by you.
thank you T.K! Fortunately you don't have to kill.
I've published dozens of stories in various magazines (online and in-print) they just have not been given the substack treatment yet. You can find them on my website: francoamatiwrites.com
maybe in the future I'll narrate or do commentaries for some of them, we'll see...
I appreciate you, brother!
Sigh... another day without blood on my hands.
Thanks for the links, chief. Looking forward to taking a gander.
haha, you got it.
Sooo good. I had this same thought. For years now I've been wondering 'when are things going to go back to normal' but I guess I have to realize that normal is relative and things will never go back to that illusion of what I thought life was supposed to be. Needed to read this Franco. Thank you,
thank you Ria, I can totally relate. you're right, it's mostly an illusion to think that way
I seem to spend a lot of time pining for an Anne-of-Green-Gables sort of time that I never even lived! Of course, I'm sure it wouldn't have been so great if I had actually lived then, anyway.
exactly, we all aspire for something that's mostly a fiction. So live on, and make the most of the chaos :D
Wallowing in the past at this time of year is a mixed bag for sure, but it almost feels like we are supposed to with so much music and repeated surroundings and rituals. We can always make new memories, thanks for the uplifting ending!
Thank you Steffany. :)
I really enjoyed reading this and it feels like there is some low sentiment circulating at this time of year and this feels real to me.
Thank you Violet!
We’re all in the gutter, but some of us are looking up at the stars - Oscar Wilde
Well said ! Love that quote. Thanks, Maria. Great to connect with you. Looking forward to reading more of your work.
Thank you for finding me. Excited to read more :)
Thank you, Franco.
In eternity I rest with two doors
One to myths and illusions of the past
One to future anxieties and dreams
Thank you Manuel!
You always end on a positive, or at least, a hopeful note, Franco. I appreciate that. For me, childhood was filled with uncertainty. I much prefer the independence of adulthood.
Thank you K.C. I try keep things at least a little hopeful. Especially in uncertain times.
Maybe all we are trying to achieve in our lives is going back to our childhood….
sometimes it does feel that way!
Very cool and intuitive and uplifting Thanks, Franco
Thank you ❤️
It’s the trying that keeps us alive 💕 I agree…looking back is so often rose-tinted nostalgia. Being excited by what’s ahead is where we get our fuel to keep going.
Thank you Esther ♥️
I so needed to read this. Great piece, I'm still wrangling with my past self and life. Even looking at it through a different lens is chicken soup for the soul. Always a great perspective, Franco. 😊
thanks Shannon! I'm glad this hit you at the right time <3
If there’s lower to go for us in general, I’m not sure I’ve got the stomach for it….
Same lol. Thanks, Crapp. We shall see
Yes.
The spirit of regularity was always a costume,
but it looked good on us while it lasted.
Childhood was the one time
we didn’t know the war had already started.
You say the magic escaped.
I say the magic was never meant to be caged.
It rides the muck.
It grows teeth in the grind.
It sings through cracked windows at midnight
when you think you’re too tired to answer.
The secret fire doesn’t glow for comfort.
It glows because motion is holy
and inertia is a lie.
You’re right to look back.
Just don’t stare.
Memory is a good mirror
but a bad compass.
What you’re chasing isn’t nostalgia.
It’s the velocity of being undefeated
by your own numbness.
So write with your bruises.
Laugh like the wind owes you rent.
And don’t wait to feel ready—
just move toward the place
where your pulse gets weird
and your breath forgets to be small.
You’re not broken.
You’re just molting.
Up is real.
Keep climbing.
Thank you 😊
Yes.
The spirit of regularity was always a costume,
but it looked good on us while it lasted.
Childhood was the one time
we didn’t know the war had already started.
You say the magic escaped.
I say the magic was never meant to be caged.
It rides the muck.
It grows teeth in the grind.
It sings through cracked windows at midnight
when you think you’re too tired to answer.
The secret fire doesn’t glow for comfort.
It glows because motion is holy
and inertia is a lie.
You’re right to look back.
Just don’t stare.
Memory is a good mirror
but a bad compass.
What you’re chasing isn’t nostalgia.
It’s the velocity of being undefeated
by your own numbness.
So write with your bruises.
Laugh like the wind owes you rent.
And don’t wait to feel ready—
just move toward the place
where your pulse gets weird
and your breath forgets to be small.
You’re not broken.
You’re just molting.
Up is real.
Keep climbing.
Love this! Thank you 🙏