Being busy, I'm posting an oldie. Sorry. Don't hate me because I'm dutiful.
Said to Simon (Originally posted at cogito on February, 2005)
Dear Simon,
By the time you read this, I will be gone. Your book is on the kitchen counter, and the door is open. I guess, in hindsight, saying the door is open on a note on the door is a bad idea. Damn. I can’t change it either. I’ve promised myself to be more free as a writer, like Jack Kerouac. I’ve made a pact with myself that I’ll never go back and change what I wrote. The first time is perfect. The first time is real.
Well, having said all that, I’ll append: I left your book on the kitchen counter. If it’s not there anymore someone came through the open door and stole it. If that happens, I apologize. We make these sacrifices -- for our art. I’ll buy you a new one (if I come into any money).
Oh crap. I just reread that first line (which is something else I said I wouldn’t do any more). It sounds really ominous, doesn’t it. “By the time you read this I will be gone.” Don’t worry, I’m not diving under the train or anything. I had to go to a poetry slam downtown. I’m considering reading a piece I wrote yesterday. I may not though. The recitations there are all of a certain ilk. They’re like rap that doesn’t rhyme. Like boring rap that brings you down. My piece is pretty traditional. It’s a prose poem, just a bit of reflection with an absurd twist.
Anyway, I’m rambling. Kerouac may disagree, but I think this note could use a once over. It completely fails as a quick door note. It reads more like a journal entry -- or a letter to a friend. A very patient friend.
Well, I need to go. Hope your book is still here. Lock the door when you leave, if you would. Feel free to keep this note for posterity. After reading it again, I actually like it a little. It works for me on some level. You may find it a little talky or a little slow. I can see that too, I guess, but it’s a hell of a lot better than the first draft.
Later.
That's it. Hope you like it. I think it's a little funny.
And how are you today?
Later. Love.
