Really good writing
Really good writing isn't about using big words, or knowing when to use an apostrophe, or saying something interesting, or clever, or wise. Really good writing isn't about any of those things.
Really good writing is the paragraph that blind-sides you unexpectedly. The few brilliant words that shine a light on your innermost feelings. The snatch of text that immediately makes you gasp, or laugh, or cry, before your can even think why. Really good writing is machine code for the human soul.
It happened to me today, while I was thumbing through a booklet of suggested readings for wedding ceremonies. I read the passage below, and immediately had to leave the room to, er, get something out of my eye.
I know. Deeply soppy. You'll probably read it and wonder what the hell I'm on about. That's the trouble with really good writing, it's usually a personal thing! In this case it's a personal thing about how I feel about Jane. It's the last line that gets me, every time.
Don't Walk in Front of Me
Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow.
Don't walk behind me; I may not lead.
Just walk beside me, and be my friend.
Albert Camus
Really good writing is the paragraph that blind-sides you unexpectedly. The few brilliant words that shine a light on your innermost feelings. The snatch of text that immediately makes you gasp, or laugh, or cry, before your can even think why. Really good writing is machine code for the human soul.
It happened to me today, while I was thumbing through a booklet of suggested readings for wedding ceremonies. I read the passage below, and immediately had to leave the room to, er, get something out of my eye.
I know. Deeply soppy. You'll probably read it and wonder what the hell I'm on about. That's the trouble with really good writing, it's usually a personal thing! In this case it's a personal thing about how I feel about Jane. It's the last line that gets me, every time.
Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow.
Don't walk behind me; I may not lead.
Just walk beside me, and be my friend.
Albert Camus
I read some words last year that reduced me to tears of joy. "Your date for GRS is confirmed!"
By the way, congratulations on your engagement and have a great day when it arrives.
What, Albert Camus? ;0)
It's funny that a simple phrase (or moreoften a lyric) can touch you so deeply. This kinda thing has been playing on my mind since I heard a certain song on the radio the other day.
Bless!
And it's not silly at all.
Even tho I'm not religious, the last line of this always chokes me up. Footprints
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