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Truth

...for Carson McCullers Terse language scored to the bone with no leftovers; pouring sorrow into every crucial word without a shred of platitude. She faced her ghosts with grace and fortitude, placing hope and loss in perfect symmetry, embracing solitude. Straight to the heart she spoke the truth, with no equivocation or careless gesture.

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Keith Bickerstaffe

Date: 2/10/2009 10:34:00 PM

One of my favourite novels... I first read it in college some 40 years ago. Speaking of alcohol, one of her best short stories - 'A Domestic Dilemma' - deals with alcoholism within a family. The last line has always stuck with me... 'and sorrow paralleled desire in the immense complexity of love.' She was a marvelous exponent of the human condition.

Yoni Dvorkis

Date: 2/10/2009 9:45:00 PM

Nice tribute Kieth. There's 1 scene from the heart is a lonely hunter that always stuck with me since I read it in school. It has the main character, the teenage girl sitting at the bar with a pint of beer and a bowl of ice cream. I think it was supposed to symbolize the transition for this girl from childhood to adulthood, from sugary sweets to pain dulling alcohol. Seems like the kind of symbol that's relevant for a young guy settling into a lifetime of servitude.

Winter Wallace

Date: 1/5/2009 6:33:00 PM

I felt like i could see this woman having to live through truth. i love it and thanks for kind words on my work!

Robin L. Gass

Date: 1/4/2009 11:18:00 AM

I've never read her but after reading this, I am definitely interested. A perfectly penned dedication to someone who obviously has much strength of character. Beautifully done, as always. Love Robin

Kristin Reynolds

Date: 1/4/2009 3:39:00 AM

Yes, just the way it should be. truth is it. love the form here, love, Kristin

Nathaniel Köhp

Date: 1/3/2009 7:07:00 PM

Keith, thanks for the info on Carson McCullers, she sounds like an interesting person to read! I'm definitely going to track down some of her stuff :)

Christy Hardy

Date: 1/3/2009 10:03:00 AM

Tell it like it is....love this write, a fav of mine....always, Christy

Nathaniel Köhp

Date: 1/3/2009 9:11:00 AM

You're so great at description and setting a scene. This poem shows off what you're good at so well. :) A wonderful poem, packed full of wonderful word choices and mood. Also, thank you for commenting me, you really flatter me so very much. I hope you had a good Christmas and New Year also! Nathaniel