For the writer I'm nurturing within me and for all the writers I love.
A Writer's Prayer
Oh Lord, let me not be one of those who writes too much;
who spreads himself too thinly with his words,
diluting all the things he has to say,
like butter spread too thinly over toast,
or watered milk in some worn-out hotel;
but let me write the things I have to say,
and then be silent, 'til I need to speak.
Oh Lord, let me not be one of those who writes too little;
a decade-man between each tale, or more,
where every word accrues significance
and dread replaces joy upon the page.
Perfectionists like chasing the horizon;
You kept perfection, gave the rest to us,
so let me earn the wisdom to move on.
But over and above those two mad spectres of parsimony and profligacy,
Lord, let me be brave, and let me, while I craft my tales, be wise:
let me say true things in a voice that is true,
and, with the truth in mind, let me write lies.
Neil Gaiman
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9 comments:
Amen! Neil Gaiman--he is such a talented fellow! He's the guy behind, what's that movie called? And those books, I think they are fantasy, right? Anyway, loved the poem!
Amen, indeed.
The movie's "Coraline," an animated flick I know almost nothing about.
This is wonderful.
I hadn't seen this before but I love Gaiman.
Ok, this is what I feel like when I speak or give my opinion in a group. I love it.
jami, THANKS for being my first Mormon Mommy stranger comment. That was a rush for a new blogger like me! You never forget your first. ;)
LOVE your blog and that prayer for writers too. Anyone who is serious about writing can relate!
Neil Gaiman is a trip. I didn't know he did poetry but I have at least one piece of work from every other genre he's published in.
I never know how to take his stuff half the time because he's so ironic. But regardless, he always gives me something to think about. This poem is no exception.
Ooo, I love this poem. Thanks for sharing Mom.
Okay, Jami, I love this poem so I'm quoting it in my post this morning. I'll give you a nod for it. And a wink.
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