29 Comments

I really enjoyed your writing and choices of words and phrases in this piece, Duane. This is something I have been trying to improve at the past few months. This is really key for me: "It only takes a little bit of something, to start to change everything." Truth!

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Thanks so much Neil! Writing is really difficult for me. I wish I could write prose that is graceful and flowing and lyrical. Instead, my words are a hammer hitting a chisel. And yet, I’m discovering that this can be it’s own kind elegance. The amassment of each tap adds up to something potentially beautiful.

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Yes! I, too, relish brevity and cherish each word. In doing so, my poems are tight-- somtimes terse. I continue to try adding detail. Sometimes it works!

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Exactly! A tasteful minimalism.

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Hi Duane, awesome piece, I feel lucky to have stumbled across it. I have a substack where each Monday I send out two "three word mercies" - short blurts that tell a story or give emotional motion. Your post is full of awesome mercies, but I was wondering if I could feature "stilettos keeping time" - such wonderful resonance there.

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Hi Luke! Thanks so much! That’s so kind of you! I love the idea of “three word mercies”!! Feel free to use it, I’d be honored! Thank you!

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"to the extent that they considered"...love that piece in particular!

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Thanks Brian! That one was a pleasant surprise for me too. It’s mostly comprised of the cast of remnants left from larger pieces. Those are always my favorite discoveries.

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Fun!!! 💚💚💚

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Beautiful work, Duane—Merry Christmas from snowy and snowing northeastern Wisconsin, USA.

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Thanks Paul! Merry Christmas to you too!

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Thank you, Duane. Enjoy the weather!

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I think this is why poetry is more enticing and longer projects are something that I tend to push away. You put my thoughts in words! Thank you!

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I think I’d take a lobotomy over longform writing, lol. Thanks so much!

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Say again!?

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The thought of taking on a long writing project sounds like one of the worst possible endeavors, haha.

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You’d probably smash it though!

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I’d never make it out of it alive, lol.

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No comment!

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I like these short texts, but so full of everything important.

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Thank you so much! When people gracious enough with their time to read something I’ve written, I try my best not waste it.

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I prefer a clean crisp style. Yours always delivers and the art is always a pleasure.

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Thanks Ann! There’s something special about creating negative space, even with words. It’s something I’m still trying to learn how to do.

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And it's so hard to achieve as well! Agree on all your points!

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It definitely keeps me busy, thanks again!

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It’s definitely intimidating to write longer things! I’m starting on it tho

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That's awesome! Every little bit adds up! Keep going! you got this!

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i just wrote a chapter of my pirate book and i’m very very excited about it

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Way to go!

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