Sometimes, while I'm writing or editing, I let my eyes blur and the words flow together, jumbling into an inky mess. Words are heavy things. Who am I to think I'm strong enough to string together word upon word, phrases and paragraphs and pages? Who am I to think I can create content, meaning?
Wouldn't it be easier to knit?
I feel as though I carry around the weight of all of my words, books written and unwritten, edited and unedited. Some days it's overwhelming. And some days there is nothing better than being the shepherd of words, guiding my little flock of nouns and verbs to become characters, actions, stories.
I love these words, this mess and mass of meaning. Because just as often as I carry them, they seem to carry me.
20 comments:
So...are you saying your superhero identity is The Shepherd of Words?
Who are you to NOT think you can carry words? You're a talented, amazing, engaging writer.
Besides, knitting is really much harder than it sounds. And you look like a spastic monkey whilst trying to hold the needles.
xox
I don't know, I think spastic monkey would be a good look for me.
Ooh! THAT could be my superhero identity! Spastic Monkey!
No? Back to the drawing board, I suppose.
I don't think knitting would be easier. I'm terrible at knitting.
I tried once, a couple of Christmases ago, and my niece said, "That's not bad." (pause) "For a beginner."
Lovely thought!
Love this post ... especially your last paragraph - such a neat thought.
I stick with crocheting myself. Er, I don't crochet myself, but "I, myself," like to crochet. Goodness, maybe I should just let you shepherd the words and I'll go back to my hook and yarn...
I think almost anything would be easier than knitting. Have you seen the thousands of shades of yarn? Do you know how many wacko knitting patterns there are in the universe? Have you seen those huge needles? Pens and laptops are so much safer. I say, stick with what you know - leave the knitting for the big boys.
But -- knitting needles are so sharp. Scary.
This is brilliant though!
Words rock. I just read a really ingenious wordy novel....Ella Minnow Pea? Pretty good book.
In spite of your dire knitting warnings, I may just have to start knitting myself.
I wonder what shade of yarn my hair would be? And should I make a mini or life-size replica? Because even the life-size replica would be mini.
(HA! I rock at short jokes.)
I am SO glad that I am not the only one who thinks this!
"I feel as though I carry around the weight of all of my words, books written and unwritten, edited and unedited. Some days it's overwhelming."
Yes. Today is one of those days. There are new ideas rooting in the corners of my mind. But which one to choose? And what about the others?
Lovely post. I hope your words are carrying you someplace wonderful today :)
I completely know where your coming from. It's hard to think straight with words on the brain.
Ha, that sounds like a new drug or something.
I know exactly what you mean, as writer though we must knit them into wonderous novels for the whole world to cozy up and enjoy.
I know what you mean! Great post! ;-)
Amen, sister.
Sometimes I'll read a certain passage in a book and feel blown away. How can someone have that kind of mastery with words?
*sigh* The thing I have to remember is that it just takes a lot of work, for everyone.
Beautiful post, lovely words. Love you and miss you!
You know, all this talk about the manipulation of words has brought a phrase into my mind, and it's up to you to decide if it fits adequetly.
You are promiscuous with words.
I think I'm going to have to quote this on my blog. It's perfect.
(And, ironically, it's a perfect example of why you should never have to ask yourself those "Who am I to..." questions.)
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