Writer's Envy

Do you ever read some amazing bit of writing and think "why didn't I write that?" I guess it could be called writer's envy. But part of being a writer (I am, you know) is reading what other people write. Lately, I've felt like some of the stuff I've read just spoke to my very soul. Does that ever happen to you?

"For small creatures such as we, the vastness is bearable only through love." 

First was a quote from Carl Sagan that I added to a picture of my dogs (including dearly departed Bentley). Anyone who has ever loved a pet knows the feeling of responsibility for these small precious lives. It shouldn't be taken lightly.

























Then, it was a poem I heard read on NPR. The poet, Marie Howe, is the State Poet for New York.  You can also hear Howe read her poem here (if you'd rather close your eyes and listen.) It's that good.

Annunciation 

Even if I don’t see it again — nor ever feel it
I know it is — and that if once it hailed me
it ever does –

And so it is myself I want to turn in that direction
not as towards a place, but it was a tilting
within myself,

as one turns a mirror to flash the light to where
it isn’t — I was blinded like that — and swam
in what shone at me

only able to endure it by being no one and so
specifically myself I thought I’d die
from being loved like that.

– Marie Howe

Hope you're having a great week!