I loved doing this exercise. I’m not great with metaphor, so it was a good practice for me, and I like the result. But I’m afraid I won’t share it publicly this time. Sorry!
You've just explained to me why writing, especially poetry, has helped me deal with the toxic turmoil in my life. Thank you, Jason. Once again, you are the healer.
As one highly sensitive person to another, I love what you say here. I think our generation has had a huge amount of pivoting to do, in terms of doing things differently from what we learned. Thank you for helping to cleanse away the toxic!
Loved this newsletter Jason!! Love and appreciate you as a person and artist too!!! Humans need a full range of emotions in order to be fully human. It is indeed toxic to categorically refuse access to some emotions. I grew up around toxic men and women like you speak of - and in a religion that literally said it was sinful to enjoy things in real life and to have laughter. I refused that toxic sludge too. Yippee us for changing that dynamic!!!! Love you Jason!!! 💚💚💚
I was a sensitive kid, too, Jason. And I'm a sensitive adult. We learn a lot from our parents, including how we don't ever want to parent when it's our turn. I try very hard to avoid causing for my kids some of the damage my parents inadvertently caused when they treated my emotions as inconvenient or embarrassing. I often hide my feelings behind my art, particularly the rare times I write and publish poetry on my Substack. When poems are born, it's usually because there's something I don't quite want to come out and say, but I still REALLY need to say it. Thank you for sharing the inner workings behind today's poem.
I posted my prompt response in a separate comment so I could share in on Notes. :)
I'm also a sensitive adult raising sensitive children. I've worked hard to help them see being sensitive as a strength and not a defect--this has not always made me popular with in-laws. 😂
I always appreciate the gift of your words, Jason. Your kids have the gift of a loving and sensitive father. It takes real courage (and healthy stubbornness) to find a better path.
This is lovely. I stopped at the descriptions of your father. Such a loss, and my heart went out to the younger you. AND to him.
Unfortunately it sounds like he suffered some trauma or distress that made him angry, dissociative and/or unable to engage with those he loved, with life itself. I can't know for sure but his suffering was palpable too. The label of "toxic masculinity" is popular these days but I think it's not useful to anyone...
Thank you! I'm sure he suffered a great deal of trauma, but he was never willing to open up about himself like that. He passed away relatively young at 66, we were estranged at the time.
I love this! The second line reminds of a section of 101 on the Oregon coast where you can see the chunks of the old section of the highway broken like in an apocalyptic movie. I've always wanted to stop and snap some pictures, but I'm usually on my way to somewhere.
inspired, writing
more and more your poems, with hints of your story help me to sustain the love within , even more
I have an increasingly clear purpose for myself
I trust this creation of yours
Thank you!
Have you find Spinoza to read ?
You be a great time for your poetry
Still felling here your haiku from this morning
Thank you very much for sharing
I loved doing this exercise. I’m not great with metaphor, so it was a good practice for me, and I like the result. But I’m afraid I won’t share it publicly this time. Sorry!
Thanks for reading. I completely understand not wanting to share something as personal as this
I love metaphor and it’s ability to shapeshift with the reader. Thank you for sharing your story and your art.
Thanks for reading!
You've just explained to me why writing, especially poetry, has helped me deal with the toxic turmoil in my life. Thank you, Jason. Once again, you are the healer.
Calendula dies
after blooming its heart out
it's finished its job
Thanks! This a beautiful poem
Good example of how to concentrate emotion and feelings.
Thanks 🙏
As one highly sensitive person to another, I love what you say here. I think our generation has had a huge amount of pivoting to do, in terms of doing things differently from what we learned. Thank you for helping to cleanse away the toxic!
Thanks! Someone has to do the cleaning
Close the window shade
Tell the barking dog to stop
Let quiet sink in
I love this haiku!
Thank you!
🧡🧡
Loved this newsletter Jason!! Love and appreciate you as a person and artist too!!! Humans need a full range of emotions in order to be fully human. It is indeed toxic to categorically refuse access to some emotions. I grew up around toxic men and women like you speak of - and in a religion that literally said it was sinful to enjoy things in real life and to have laughter. I refused that toxic sludge too. Yippee us for changing that dynamic!!!! Love you Jason!!! 💚💚💚
Thank you! Hopefully we can help others reject the toxic parts of their experiences
Yes indeed!!! I too hope we can help!! Our past experiences are not automatically
our future fates or destiny - they're just things that happened. It is up to us to create the present and the future.
I am honored to know such a sensitive soul.
Thank you, Amie!
Duplicity scars.
The juggler misjudged her mark.
No one from some ones.
I love this haiku! The imagery intrigues me.
I was a sensitive kid, too, Jason. And I'm a sensitive adult. We learn a lot from our parents, including how we don't ever want to parent when it's our turn. I try very hard to avoid causing for my kids some of the damage my parents inadvertently caused when they treated my emotions as inconvenient or embarrassing. I often hide my feelings behind my art, particularly the rare times I write and publish poetry on my Substack. When poems are born, it's usually because there's something I don't quite want to come out and say, but I still REALLY need to say it. Thank you for sharing the inner workings behind today's poem.
I posted my prompt response in a separate comment so I could share in on Notes. :)
I'm also a sensitive adult raising sensitive children. I've worked hard to help them see being sensitive as a strength and not a defect--this has not always made me popular with in-laws. 😂
Fortunately, I married another sensitive adult. My husband's parents are big softies. 😉
see how the old trees
seem to be lit from within
they make their own light
I always appreciate the gift of your words, Jason. Your kids have the gift of a loving and sensitive father. It takes real courage (and healthy stubbornness) to find a better path.
Ann, that is beautiful! So much could be unpacked from that poem.
Thanks! I definitely have stubbornness in spades 😂. Your poem is lovely. I imagine an elven forest as I reread it.
This is lovely. I stopped at the descriptions of your father. Such a loss, and my heart went out to the younger you. AND to him.
Unfortunately it sounds like he suffered some trauma or distress that made him angry, dissociative and/or unable to engage with those he loved, with life itself. I can't know for sure but his suffering was palpable too. The label of "toxic masculinity" is popular these days but I think it's not useful to anyone...
Thank you! I'm sure he suffered a great deal of trauma, but he was never willing to open up about himself like that. He passed away relatively young at 66, we were estranged at the time.
So sorry for your pain.
❤️
Shattered autumn leaf,
Drifts alone on chilled breezes,
Winter's grip takes hold.
This is tremendous! I love that first lines contrast with the last. A shattered leaf and the tightening grip of winter.
In whispered verses,
Goddess of Haiku listens,
Tribe and soul unite.
I believe I’ve found my home.
Remnants of pavement
Broken like chunks of stone henge
River running low
I love this! The second line reminds of a section of 101 on the Oregon coast where you can see the chunks of the old section of the highway broken like in an apocalyptic movie. I've always wanted to stop and snap some pictures, but I'm usually on my way to somewhere.