"The talking heads and pundits asking us to think about something other than the fact that people are dying and shouldn't be..." Oh yes, so completely, starkly true. And the whole subject of waiting in this poem reminds me of Bruce Cockburn's song, "Pacing the Cage". Thank you for your words that feed this heart over and over again. I look forward to reading your book.
... and a painting book in which I could make the grass, the trees, the sea and the animals any colour I pleased, and still the dazzling sky-blue sheep are grazing in the red field under the rainbow-billed and pea-green birds."
-- From A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas
Thank you for reminding me of a word I have long loved in that context and now love in a new context.
Looking forward to reading your novel. Will also ask our public library to order a copy.
I just wanted to say... your Substack has quickly become one of my favourite things to read. I make time for it every Sunday with a cup of fennel tea. I love the exploration, the curiosity. Plus, I am learning a lot. Going to pre-order your novel now because I just know it's going to be a good read based on your newsletter <3 Thanks for keeping me entertained and engaged!
You made me think about the spirit living inside Marge Piercy’s poem, “To Be of Use,” the sense of community, the “born to share” of John Berger. I have always loved that poem thinking it captures my philosophy…Maybe “for work that is real” needs to be more expansive. So much thinking this morning. Thanks, Devin. I look forward to reading Pilgrims.
Lately have been thinking on thoughts of my own usefulness (or what I deem lack thereof). The notion of "uselessness isn't inherently bad, just something dictated by others" is worthy to note. Thank you for this <3
Your writing has such a flow to it, easy to read and simultaneously so much to go back to and think about. I will head into my day with the words “useless but warm” on my mind. Really enjoyed this, thank you!
Congrats with the novel, Devin! And these Philip Levine poems side by side highlighted through your tender, intelligent comments are exquisite. Timing is perfect. Lately, reflections regarding the badge of usefulness are flooding through me. "warm, useless" wow, that's it! Thank you.
"The talking heads and pundits asking us to think about something other than the fact that people are dying and shouldn't be..." Oh yes, so completely, starkly true. And the whole subject of waiting in this poem reminds me of Bruce Cockburn's song, "Pacing the Cage". Thank you for your words that feed this heart over and over again. I look forward to reading your book.
Thanks for turning me to that song, Leanne! Appreciate you always
That is a great song Leanne, one of my favorites of his!
I definitely judge myself by the usefulness scale in my head. This has given me something to ponder.
Thank you.
I do too, Mariah. Thank you for reading.
The novel!! Excited.
Thank you!
"Go on to the Useless Presents.
... and a painting book in which I could make the grass, the trees, the sea and the animals any colour I pleased, and still the dazzling sky-blue sheep are grazing in the red field under the rainbow-billed and pea-green birds."
-- From A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas
Thank you for reminding me of a word I have long loved in that context and now love in a new context.
Looking forward to reading your novel. Will also ask our public library to order a copy.
I just wanted to say... your Substack has quickly become one of my favourite things to read. I make time for it every Sunday with a cup of fennel tea. I love the exploration, the curiosity. Plus, I am learning a lot. Going to pre-order your novel now because I just know it's going to be a good read based on your newsletter <3 Thanks for keeping me entertained and engaged!
You made me think about the spirit living inside Marge Piercy’s poem, “To Be of Use,” the sense of community, the “born to share” of John Berger. I have always loved that poem thinking it captures my philosophy…Maybe “for work that is real” needs to be more expansive. So much thinking this morning. Thanks, Devin. I look forward to reading Pilgrims.
Lately have been thinking on thoughts of my own usefulness (or what I deem lack thereof). The notion of "uselessness isn't inherently bad, just something dictated by others" is worthy to note. Thank you for this <3
Your writing has such a flow to it, easy to read and simultaneously so much to go back to and think about. I will head into my day with the words “useless but warm” on my mind. Really enjoyed this, thank you!
Congrats with the novel, Devin! And these Philip Levine poems side by side highlighted through your tender, intelligent comments are exquisite. Timing is perfect. Lately, reflections regarding the badge of usefulness are flooding through me. "warm, useless" wow, that's it! Thank you.