Is this Inappropriate?

On By DanicaPicheIn Creative Writing

Yesterday, I read the poem Dark Secrets by Michael33.  I always enjoy his blog and this post was no different.  However, something happened this time.

The frequency of pain

This poem rang true for me and I also liked the writing itself.  I started to write a comment, and then didn’t know what to say.  He had written about something painful and I had appreciated it; therefore, was I enjoying his pain?  Of course not, but I was experiencing a humming from the frequency of his pain.

Bleeding all over his typewriter

I was reminded of Hemingway’s comment on writing; that all there is to it is sitting down at a typewriter and bleeding.  Michael had bled over his typewriter (keyboard?) and had produced a poem that affected others, as indicated by the comments left for him.  And, I’m still thinking about it today.

What’s different here?

What is it about appreciating this poem that feels inappropriate to me?  Like many of you, I have read a lot.  My reading has included some difficult topics with some painful stories.  This isn’t unusual.  So, what’s different here?

An abstraction to a community

The difference here is that I wasn’t reading a poem by an author who was an abstract concept to me.  I wasn’t reading a ready-to-market piece that had been polished and packaged by a team of editors, agents and marketers.  I was reading a poem by a blogger who is part of a blogging community.  I was experiencing a kinship; one of which I was previously unaware.  This kinship allows us to be attuned to emotions and experiences in a unique way; we can hum along the same frequency.

Thank you

This is my first blog and I’m already inspired by my fellow bloggers and the blogging community at large.  Really, how had I not known of this years earlier?

Thank you to my fellow bloggers; to all of you who share your stories and your art, and who engage in mutual support and encouragement.  I’m amazed, humbled and happy to be among you all.

 

 

32 thoughts on “Is this Inappropriate?”

  3. Seldom am I left speechless, well… maybe in front of people attempting to express myself with actual verbalization, but I believe this to be the first time in front of my (typewriter). You are the first to ever post anything about my writing on their site. You’re the first to leave me virtually speechless in front of my typewriter. You might want to add those ‘firsts’ to your “When was the last time you did something for the first time” list. I am saddened that the poem ‘rang true for you,’ but proud of the kinship that it helped to create within us. I’m very, very humbled… and very honored that you chose to write this post… and I thank you sincerely. You may have just stopped the bleeding!!!

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    1. If I’ve helped stop the bleeding then I’m delighted! I’m honored to have these firsts and your talent is sure to bring you many more. As to your speechlessness, well, I had to smile 🙂 Thank you, Michael. Truly.

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  4. Thank you for referring to the poet with a link… I found his poetry brilliant, flowing and put together in such a perfect way… the thought behind it is not as strong in my mind as there is little or no link between him and me, yet I understand perfectly how you feel… I follow a few poets, and boy, are they good, and over time I have begun to feel almost part of their family. When they post and are feeling down I immediately sense it in the poem and comment so and this is probably how you feel about Michael… I have found from experience that these type people that can sit and express themselves so in poetry, are normally above average intelligent people, stable and deep thinkers. In a way I envy their ability to express their inner feelings in such a way that it probably aids them to over come adversity… wouldn’t it be nice to be able to do the same ?… I wish I could… How many times my wife will ask “What’s wrong” (after 41 years of marriage she can see when I’m down) and the problem is I normally answer “Nothing” which is a total lie and she knows it, but I struggle to put into words my inner feelings, even to a woman I’ve loved for 40+ years….
    I’m going to keep an eye on Michael’s blog as I do love poetry and he seems brilliant at it…

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    1. Hi Bulldog! I’m so glad you enjoyed Michael’s poetry. Thank you for your insights; I agree. You make a very good point about expressing inner feelings and overcoming adversity. Are you sure that you can’t do the same? You’re very eloquent and perceptive. I can easily see the makings of an Ode to Flamingos, for example 🙂

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      1. Oh you are so kind… I have tried my hand at it and by no means could I publish it… I actually have posted two that just seemed to pop into my head, but that was that…. give me a camera and let me remain silent whilst tracking animals or sneaking up on birds and I’m happy…. the wife loves it when I’m that quiet as well… says it gives her a rest…

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    1. Thank you, Andrew! Your question is spot-on: What affects me, the art or the emotion behind the art? Please share any insight you have 🙂 You are absolutely right about struggling and questioning being one of our freedoms that can never be taken away. And, as Frederick Douglass reminds us, if there is no struggle there is no progress. Thanks again, Andrew.

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    1. Your post “A Reaction from an NYC Play” is thought-provoking; “…wounds open and splash upon us” — powerful. I understand your feeling compelled to write about it. I had a similar thought: the subject matter is a little outside my norm, but…and I started writing. Were you most moved by the art or the emotion behind the art?

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      1. I will share this with you. For brevity, I omitted I had seen this director’s imaginative creativity in the form of another play. The Misanthrope. It was wild, messy fun. I knew that Scenes From A Marriage would not disappoint. As was The Misanthrope back in 2007, the direction, writing, staging and acting was perfect. Controlled yet freeing. I was moved by the art. I was moved by what the actors were showing, sharing, displaying for our entertainment. At one point, a glass of wine is tossed at someone, dousing him and the surprised audience member only a few feet away. Me. Another actor grabbed a napkin from the table and handed it to me, apologizing in character. I dabbed quickly at my damp trousers and he soon retrieved it, the play never missing a step. In fact, it helped solidify the feeling of complicity we all shared in the drama.
        I was also moved by the emotion behind the art. The words spoken, and actions taken were meant to entertain and to make us think. After the play has ended and the audience is talking not about the play, but about their lives, triggered by actions in the play… the new discussion has transcended the art. Art is a springboard for deeper thought and future actions.

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        1. Tossing wine and complicity, what a performance! For those times when we experience something beyond entertainment, I like your definition: “Art is a springboard for deeper thought and future actions.” Thank you, Andrew.

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    1. Thanks so much! You write about some profound and powerful experiences which undoubtedly have had similar effects on your readers. Thanks again for your insight and I hope there is the possibility of a pastry in your immediate future 🙂

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  9. Pingback: One Lovely Blog Award — Thank You! | Living a Beautiful Life

    1. Thanks so much, Rob! I agree with you that each new blog we read broadens the range of possible expression. Very well said! Your own blog has so much depth and scope that I’m surprised you’re new to blogging. Very impressive work! I particularly enjoy your abstract and surreal artwork. Thank you for all that you share with the blogging community 🙂

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  11. Reblogged this on H Schlagen and commented:
    I discovered this blog some time ago and would like to recommend it in case you are a lover of rock music. Danicapiche writes nice little stories based on songs many of you know. What is fine too is the pure joy and clarity of writing you you can perceive even if you are not a native english speaker like me. H.

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    1. Thank you very much, H! I am absolutely thrilled that you like my stories enough to Reblog. I really appreciate your continued support and hope that my future stories will also be to your liking. Thank you once again. Sincerely, Danica

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  12. Ms Danica,
    Wonderful bog post . . . looking forward to reading many more. I hope I can learn something that will help me improve. Old photographers don’t always make semi-readable bolggers. Thank you for my new smile this morning. Keep safe, do good work, and keep in touch.
    G94

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    1. Thanks so much, G94! I’m very happy that you like this one. I’m really enjoying your blog and photography blogs are among my favorites! I’d love to spend some time doing photography so your blog will help me live vicariously. I’m also inspired that you have taken up sketching. There is always so much more to learn and I look forward to learning from you 🙂 Sincerely, Danica

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