I re-read this today and now feel compelled to comment. It landed on me differently than the first time I read it. I love this:
"the mess and torture of what
came so naturally
back then,
when I claimed to be a man"
So relatable to me. So too was "hacked out into a lean and modest frame of one".
I love how other's words can offer me a perspective different than my own. I've done a lot of work on myself over the years that has got me to this version of the man that I am, and yet I still value other ways of seeing the old me, ways that lay outside the covers of the book of stories I've written.
Matt, thanks for taking the time to read, and then to make a comment. It's very pleasing when there are certain aspects, or a few lines of a piece, that seem to connect, and especially with other creative people. Not least because, as you know, this kind of writing is so personal. It's very new to me. So is the kind of work you've done on yourself that I'm just beginning to explore. I wish I had the time to read and appreciate everyone's offerings here. Your photography is such an great addition to your writing.
Beautiful piece!
Thank you Alex. I appreciate that. It was the first poem I posted, so I’m glad it’s still being read and resonating.
I re-read this today and now feel compelled to comment. It landed on me differently than the first time I read it. I love this:
"the mess and torture of what
came so naturally
back then,
when I claimed to be a man"
So relatable to me. So too was "hacked out into a lean and modest frame of one".
I love how other's words can offer me a perspective different than my own. I've done a lot of work on myself over the years that has got me to this version of the man that I am, and yet I still value other ways of seeing the old me, ways that lay outside the covers of the book of stories I've written.
Thanks for putting yourself out there.
Matt, thanks for taking the time to read, and then to make a comment. It's very pleasing when there are certain aspects, or a few lines of a piece, that seem to connect, and especially with other creative people. Not least because, as you know, this kind of writing is so personal. It's very new to me. So is the kind of work you've done on yourself that I'm just beginning to explore. I wish I had the time to read and appreciate everyone's offerings here. Your photography is such an great addition to your writing.
I love details & you wrote from your heart.
🙌💗🙌
Well done! Keen insight and detail. 👍
Thank you, Taylor! I appreciate that.