Beth, thank you. For a long time I have thought about something I call the obsession vessel—which is the book or poem or essay that takes the shape of the obsession, bears its outlines and its shadows. When I am not writing it is because I have not found that vessel. And the brevity here reflects my preference for crystallization and compression, for, like you, I began with poetry.
“Riven” is a powered word. The desire to know reels me in, a stranger to myself. The griping desire to know, an unrelenting undertow won’t let me close my eyes, insists I stay, staring out the corner of my eye, transfixed by the tremor in my chest. The almost. I give up breathing to know. Thank for this portal.
Thank you, Beth! I love the brevity of your posts (a poet's sensibility) and this one speaks to me because I am struggling to return to my memoir-in-progress and I am reminded of why I write. I have always been obsessed with the sea and living on it is my best life. My best to you all!!
As always, Beth, you get to the heart of art. Whales became an obsession that wouldn’t let go. Somewhat by accident, my historical novel also happens to deal with issues still relevant today.
Beth, thank you. For a long time I have thought about something I call the obsession vessel—which is the book or poem or essay that takes the shape of the obsession, bears its outlines and its shadows. When I am not writing it is because I have not found that vessel. And the brevity here reflects my preference for crystallization and compression, for, like you, I began with poetry.
“Riven” is a powered word. The desire to know reels me in, a stranger to myself. The griping desire to know, an unrelenting undertow won’t let me close my eyes, insists I stay, staring out the corner of my eye, transfixed by the tremor in my chest. The almost. I give up breathing to know. Thank for this portal.
Always, Charlotte. Thank you. To big words with just a few letters, like "riven."
Thank you, Beth! I love the brevity of your posts (a poet's sensibility) and this one speaks to me because I am struggling to return to my memoir-in-progress and I am reminded of why I write. I have always been obsessed with the sea and living on it is my best life. My best to you all!!
As always, Beth, you get to the heart of art. Whales became an obsession that wouldn’t let go. Somewhat by accident, my historical novel also happens to deal with issues still relevant today.
Beautiful words. We all want to know. That’s the power of a good story. It pulls us in. 💫
Yes. Trudi. Just this. Thank you.
Trudi, thank you for stopping here, for thinking with me about the power of obsessions (and whales!).
So wonderful - thank you. Cynthia and I are press sisters! Also, I must ask, have you also read The Whalebone Theatre (oh, my heart)?
Oh my gosh, I had no idea! And no. Whalebone Theatre? Are you doing to make me go buy another book, Heather? :)