Beautifully said. And the beauty is that each listener may have had a line that hit them deeper than others. Interpretation is unique, as is the essence of your poem. Loved it.
So true, even when we do express our words, they can still be interpreted in unique ways. That's what I love about writing. :) thanks for stopping by and thank you for the sub.
From an article in the NYT on the value of talking to strangers as we go about our day-to-day business:
“Talking to strangers—on trains, in a coffee shop, at the playground, on line at the D.M.V., in the waiting room at the doctor’s office—could be dismissed as an exercise that simply makes the time pass. But it could also be seen as a moving reflection of how eager we all are, every day, to connect with other humans whose interiority would otherwise be a mystery, individuals in whose faces we might otherwise read threat, judgment, boredom or diffidence. Talking to strangers guarantees novelty, possibly even learning. It holds the promise, each time, of unexpected insight.”
Absolutely, I think the key word there has to do with genuinely wanting to make contact with another person's interiority, which outside of reading books and maybe with our intimate partners, we rarely get access to. But that's where the humanity is! Anyway, thank for these insights and for sharing what you learned in that article. Thank you, Polly :)
I was chatting with a young woman from Puerto Rico, and we were comparing notes how our similar our two cultures are... Puerto Ricans and Guyanese. We chat with strangers and practically spill our hearts out sometimes.
Love the truth of this piece, Franco, and the exploration of this thought. I think your conclusions are spot on. What doesn't get spoken, is contingent upon a fear of truth, in others and ourselves. It may be anchored to fear of rejection as well. Then, it may be a protective mechanism based off the internal understanding that truth often hurts and we just don't want what we say to bring anyone or ourselves pain. It's just easier to tuck those thoughts away. We've also been conditioned to keep the real-real to ourselves, to talk in pleasantries and avoid the 'tough stuff'. Could this all be contributing factors as to why we have such a need for therapists? And, this could lead to why those who don't sit on a couch and spill it, reabsorb their thoughts and keep them from exposure. You've produced a lot of ideas to think about, Franco. I love a piece that inspires contemplation.
Really good one, Franco. I'm deeply fascinated with the way we relate / struggle to relate, communicate. I think about it often, dysfunctional communication. Just the other day I was remembering a short story about this by James Joyce.
I put it to the test recently when making an amend with someone. It was quite frightening, I felt vulnerable, my ego took a big knock, and I felt weird for weeks after and still do a little. Was it worth it? I think it was. It's how I wish to live today.
Beautifully said. And the beauty is that each listener may have had a line that hit them deeper than others. Interpretation is unique, as is the essence of your poem. Loved it.
So true, even when we do express our words, they can still be interpreted in unique ways. That's what I love about writing. :) thanks for stopping by and thank you for the sub.
From an article in the NYT on the value of talking to strangers as we go about our day-to-day business:
“Talking to strangers—on trains, in a coffee shop, at the playground, on line at the D.M.V., in the waiting room at the doctor’s office—could be dismissed as an exercise that simply makes the time pass. But it could also be seen as a moving reflection of how eager we all are, every day, to connect with other humans whose interiority would otherwise be a mystery, individuals in whose faces we might otherwise read threat, judgment, boredom or diffidence. Talking to strangers guarantees novelty, possibly even learning. It holds the promise, each time, of unexpected insight.”
Absolutely, I think the key word there has to do with genuinely wanting to make contact with another person's interiority, which outside of reading books and maybe with our intimate partners, we rarely get access to. But that's where the humanity is! Anyway, thank for these insights and for sharing what you learned in that article. Thank you, Polly :)
Talk to strangers.
I was chatting with a young woman from Puerto Rico, and we were comparing notes how our similar our two cultures are... Puerto Ricans and Guyanese. We chat with strangers and practically spill our hearts out sometimes.
chatting with strangers is a rewarding hobby, more people should try it
For me it's always the words I do say that cause problems. Can't win either way.
Foot in mouth...me😀
so true haha
I know what you mean.
Love the truth of this piece, Franco, and the exploration of this thought. I think your conclusions are spot on. What doesn't get spoken, is contingent upon a fear of truth, in others and ourselves. It may be anchored to fear of rejection as well. Then, it may be a protective mechanism based off the internal understanding that truth often hurts and we just don't want what we say to bring anyone or ourselves pain. It's just easier to tuck those thoughts away. We've also been conditioned to keep the real-real to ourselves, to talk in pleasantries and avoid the 'tough stuff'. Could this all be contributing factors as to why we have such a need for therapists? And, this could lead to why those who don't sit on a couch and spill it, reabsorb their thoughts and keep them from exposure. You've produced a lot of ideas to think about, Franco. I love a piece that inspires contemplation.
Many blessings and MUCH LOVE,
~Wendy💜
I really loved this.
Thank you Kimbra! I'm happy you enjoyed it.
"Show me the home where your spirit resides." Incredible line. Beautifully delivered.
thank you, Frankie :) warms my hear that you enjoyed it.
Thanks, Franco, for sharing your humanity and reaching out to ours. 🙏🏻
Thanks so much, Manuel!
You are a true poet, Franco.
children speak with .that kind of innocence .. yours too is steeped in Insight and clarity.. and so much easier to behold.. Write on kind muse..
Thank you Jan ❤️
Peace to you. 🙏🏻
And also with you!
It's an interesting concept!
Cool piece...reminds me of a poem I wrote called, "What I didn't Say." :)
Awesome, thank you for telling me. I will take a look now :)
Beautiful! ❤️
thank you, Jackie ❤️
So true! In talking to strangers we get to know ourselves.
absolutely :)
Really good one, Franco. I'm deeply fascinated with the way we relate / struggle to relate, communicate. I think about it often, dysfunctional communication. Just the other day I was remembering a short story about this by James Joyce.
definitely, I think dysfunctional communication in our species is of my favorite themes :) thanks for stopping by and reading this one.
Yes, sometimes we just need the courage and boldness to express our love.
Great work, Franco. 🙏
Thank you, my friend. May we all have that courage and express that love :)
You're welcome, Franco.
I put it to the test recently when making an amend with someone. It was quite frightening, I felt vulnerable, my ego took a big knock, and I felt weird for weeks after and still do a little. Was it worth it? I think it was. It's how I wish to live today.
Thank you for “showing me the home where your spirit resides”! Wonderful poem.
Thank you so much :)
I am literally weeping right now. Thank you. 🙏
hey Sandy, it means so much to have evoked such a response. thank you, sincerely. 🙏
You are welcome! Glad to be here.