As a writing teacher I always emphasize: Im weary of endings. I don’t want anything wrapped up too neatly. Launch me into the unresolved. Steep me in a messy stew. Get life on my clothes, my hands. Be weary of your own pen as you tilt toward what you feel is an ending. Tilt back.
Listen instead, like a vulture circling carrion. Listen, listen, spinning circles around your poem. What is my distance teaching me? What happens when I don’t dive in to what is obviously there? How do the clouds feel against my wings? Is ambiguity a cage, or a door?
The truth is that we live in the in-between. We are insecure, & sensuous, & brimming, & wild with story. Why trim it? Why unquilt the real into tangible slices? Complexity is a state of grace. Truth is in the seeking heart, not necessarily the landing eye.
I’m known, especially by my partner, for wanting to walk out of (American) movies at the half-way point. Usually, right around then, the writer is just jarring up all the loose marbles they set loose. American (mainstream) movies tend to rob us of meaty endings. Let me dine!
Questions I ask while nearing an ending or editing toward one:
- have u accidentally created a hero? Who is she? Ew, is she you?
- the “redemption” narrative is quite common. can any redemption here be refreshed/redefined?
- are you writing toward the curious, or the comfortable?
- have u accidentally created a hero? Who is she? Ew, is she you?
- the “redemption” narrative is quite common. can any redemption here be refreshed/redefined?
- are you writing toward the curious, or the comfortable?
- what can your ending begin?
- what [adventure] can your ending begin?
- what [questions] can your ending begin?
- what [sequel] can your ending begin?
- what [adventure] can your ending begin?
- what [questions] can your ending begin?
- what [sequel] can your ending begin?
- what secret beginnings are buried in your ending?
- if there were no such thing as an ending, what would you put here?
Good luck, writers! In the words of my fave (all hail Szymborska): “Our skin is just a coverup /for the land where none dare go.” Say yes to it!
- if there were no such thing as an ending, what would you put here?
Good luck, writers! In the words of my fave (all hail Szymborska): “Our skin is just a coverup /for the land where none dare go.” Say yes to it!
And because I truly can’t help myself, THE ONION by Wislawa Szymborska. Keep in mind this shit was TRANSLATED from Polish; you tell me how they did this magic—“it follows its own daimonion”—?! LANGUAGE IS MAGIC.
szymborska.org.pl/the-onion.html
szymborska.org.pl/the-onion.html
