The difference between someone who is content to work full time and not pursue writing, and someone who works part time or has other side hustles and whatnot, to have time for writing is obvious. Why else would we attempt it? I'm a single Mom, I juggle two part time gigs, and no, I'm not where I'd like to be financially. People say, give up, just stop. Or better yet, work a full time job which will suck the life out of you, and then try to write on the side. Some of us find it mentally untenable to work full time and try to write. Some can pull it off, but not many. One could say this about acting, painting, being a musician, etc. They are "hobbies" to some. To us, they give us life. Even if they end up not setting the world on fire, our creations keep us alive, give us purpose, joy, etc. You find a way, because you can't imagine a world where you are not writing in some capacity. I hate my world without writing, without curiosity, without magic and good stories. I don't like who I am even with a bigger bank account if it means I can't muster up the energy to write. I tried many careers, but nothing stuck with me as long as writing. I work jobs to pay money. This is the compromise. I think, while I was younger, if I'd found a group of people I really enjoyed and a cause to throw myself into, I could see working full time and being ok with it. But I always found it hard to get into the corporate mind set, and I am a curious person who loves to learn a million different things. Writing gives wings to my curiosity, more so in ways that an academic career I think would have. Keep writing, Franco. It is how you breathe on this planet.
It's a shame that such important things—pursuits that define the human species, must be relegated to the category of "hobby". I hate my world without writing too. I so so so love this comment and love this poem.
A lot of feelings in this one that are so relatable; I've always felt for the underdog or lesser people, some might call them, or less fortunate. And when writers get many rejections, it's definitely an underdog feeling. Writers have to keep their heads up and allow the heart to brace itself and move on. Writers are hard workers and magically creative. That includes you. Thanks. Keep up the good work of writing.
This was so touching and so true. It cut right to the core. I especially loved your line "a human being is not the empty spaces." Gives me tingles! Like you, I think it's better to be a writer and follow your passion, even if it means putting monetary gains or other things on hold that the world deems more worthy. What could possibly be more worthy than pursuing the very thing that brings you the most joy? I think this was a great piece, especially the after story. You're a gifted storyteller.
thank you, Chelsea. I agree, after the fact of writing this I think the line "a human being is not the empty spaces" might be the most important line. Because we lose, we fuck up, our life gets put on hold, we tend to fall apart now and again—but those gaps in continuity, those breaks in the narrative of life don't really constitute all of what we are or all of what we are capable of being... anyway, I really appreciate this comment.
Wow, Franco... a mountain of reflection here to take in from this poem, commentary and reactions alone- that could breed into new material ! Fantastic! Thanks again for the shoutout.
"... weave rainbows out of nothing" - that statement hit home to me, more than spot on. I write and create art for myself, a bonus if someone else gets something from it. Right on - WRITE ON!
I am so glad this piece popped back in that weird timeline that is Notes. It spoke to me in a very deep way. I can see from the comments too that we writers, sitting alone, feeling that weird rejection from the so called 'normal' people, we know that we have no choice. We have been given a passion for words and seek to understand ourselves through the rawness of other people's words as well as the expression of our own. Thank you for sharing your expression.
Thank you so much, Karl. I agree about challenging perceptions and challenging oneself. I'm proud to have you as part as part of the Scuzzbucket family.
The difference between someone who is content to work full time and not pursue writing, and someone who works part time or has other side hustles and whatnot, to have time for writing is obvious. Why else would we attempt it? I'm a single Mom, I juggle two part time gigs, and no, I'm not where I'd like to be financially. People say, give up, just stop. Or better yet, work a full time job which will suck the life out of you, and then try to write on the side. Some of us find it mentally untenable to work full time and try to write. Some can pull it off, but not many. One could say this about acting, painting, being a musician, etc. They are "hobbies" to some. To us, they give us life. Even if they end up not setting the world on fire, our creations keep us alive, give us purpose, joy, etc. You find a way, because you can't imagine a world where you are not writing in some capacity. I hate my world without writing, without curiosity, without magic and good stories. I don't like who I am even with a bigger bank account if it means I can't muster up the energy to write. I tried many careers, but nothing stuck with me as long as writing. I work jobs to pay money. This is the compromise. I think, while I was younger, if I'd found a group of people I really enjoyed and a cause to throw myself into, I could see working full time and being ok with it. But I always found it hard to get into the corporate mind set, and I am a curious person who loves to learn a million different things. Writing gives wings to my curiosity, more so in ways that an academic career I think would have. Keep writing, Franco. It is how you breathe on this planet.
Thank you, Jen. This comment is everything. ❤️
It's a shame that such important things—pursuits that define the human species, must be relegated to the category of "hobby". I hate my world without writing too. I so so so love this comment and love this poem.
Agreed on both fronts. Thank you, Victoria and Jen.
A lot of feelings in this one that are so relatable; I've always felt for the underdog or lesser people, some might call them, or less fortunate. And when writers get many rejections, it's definitely an underdog feeling. Writers have to keep their heads up and allow the heart to brace itself and move on. Writers are hard workers and magically creative. That includes you. Thanks. Keep up the good work of writing.
thank you, Giulietta. <3 "allow the heart to brace itself" I love that
Franco, this is for all of you who carry the light, despite everything: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47399/for-the-young-who-want-to
For the young who want to
By Marge Piercy
Talent is what they say
you have after the novel
is published and favorably
reviewed. Beforehand what
you have is a tedious
delusion, a hobby like knitting.
Work is what you have done
after the play is produced
and the audience claps.
Before that friends keep asking
when you are planning to go
out and get a job.
Genius is what they know you
had after the third volume
of remarkable poems. Earlier
they accuse you of withdrawing,
ask why you don’t have a baby,
call you a bum.
The reason people want M.F.A.’s,
take workshops with fancy names
when all you can really
learn is a few techniques,
typing instructions and some-
body else’s mannerisms
is that every artist lacks
a license to hang on the wall
like your optician, your vet
proving you may be a clumsy sadist
whose fillings fall into the stew
but you’re certified a dentist.
The real writer is one
who really writes. Talent
is an invention like phlogiston
after the fact of fire.
Work is its own cure. You have to
like it better than being loved.
Wow this is exactly what I needed to read. Thank you, Portia ❤️
This was so touching and so true. It cut right to the core. I especially loved your line "a human being is not the empty spaces." Gives me tingles! Like you, I think it's better to be a writer and follow your passion, even if it means putting monetary gains or other things on hold that the world deems more worthy. What could possibly be more worthy than pursuing the very thing that brings you the most joy? I think this was a great piece, especially the after story. You're a gifted storyteller.
thank you, Chelsea. I agree, after the fact of writing this I think the line "a human being is not the empty spaces" might be the most important line. Because we lose, we fuck up, our life gets put on hold, we tend to fall apart now and again—but those gaps in continuity, those breaks in the narrative of life don't really constitute all of what we are or all of what we are capable of being... anyway, I really appreciate this comment.
Wow, Franco... a mountain of reflection here to take in from this poem, commentary and reactions alone- that could breed into new material ! Fantastic! Thanks again for the shoutout.
Thank youuu. It was great to receive the request.
A wonderful poem.
I also really appreciated and related to your after-poem thoughts.
Thanks Franco
Thank you, Michael. Glad to hear you could relate to the commentary. :)
Moving poetry, Franco. Keep going, the world needs you!
Thank you, Orla. Means so much to hear that. <3
You're welcome. :)
"... weave rainbows out of nothing" - that statement hit home to me, more than spot on. I write and create art for myself, a bonus if someone else gets something from it. Right on - WRITE ON!
ps - I would definitely wear that t-shirt :-)
thanks, Marjorie. Well said. :) And yes, I'd wear it too.
I am so glad this piece popped back in that weird timeline that is Notes. It spoke to me in a very deep way. I can see from the comments too that we writers, sitting alone, feeling that weird rejection from the so called 'normal' people, we know that we have no choice. We have been given a passion for words and seek to understand ourselves through the rawness of other people's words as well as the expression of our own. Thank you for sharing your expression.
Have to agree with Karl. This is among your best pieces I've read on here. So much of it is inspiring.
thank you, Ria :)
Thank you so much, Karl. I agree about challenging perceptions and challenging oneself. I'm proud to have you as part as part of the Scuzzbucket family.