I've figured out why this poem is so hard to write --

[capri0mni]

So, I;m currently writing (or trying to write) a poem on how certain words (like the 'R*-word' and the 'sp-word') get picked up and used in the culture as triggers for violence.

... And so far, on average, it's taking me three days to write each eight-line stanza.

One part of that is because I'm trying to write about the process without actually mentioning specific weaponized words (I want to save that for the prose commentary). And that takes a lot of cognitive work.

Mostly, though, it's because I'm trying to write satirically in the style of a survivalist handbook on "how to make your own weapon," while justifying why those dirty freaks deserve what they get.

...And that just makes me feel disgusted/disgusting.

*shudder*

On the other hand, the fact that this poem is so hard to write is a signal of just how important it is to write. ... And the more I procrastinate, the longer I'll be living inside it.

*ick!*

Comments

[jesse_the_k]

\* waves pom poms * /

[capri0mni]

Thank you. If you can think of any mind-washing rituals for after this thing is done, I'd appreciate it.

Also, I have to remind myself to stick to a fixed number of poems, and not dream up "just one more" But ---

I think maybe I should do one on the good sides of being a "monster" ... yes?

[jesse_the_k]

Absolutely for the "good side." A rhino wallowing in cool, cool mud: may look odd to the bipeds, but it feels so nice on the skin.

[capri0mni]

Indeed it does... But since a vast majority of the poems & commentary in this volume will be pointing out ableism -- that it exists, and it's pernicious, I want to include at least one poem shows a bit of comfort between Self and Society -- beyond just comfort between Self's Body and Self's Identity.

So I was thinking more of writing a poem about a) the advantages to the to the Self of being an Outsider, who Does Not Fit the Categories, and b) the advantages to Society of having Outsiders, who Do Not Fit the Categories. ...An elephant who can fly can do things that neither birds nor earthbound elephants can do.

...You know?

[jesse_the_k]

Just so. I'm confident that you'll find this poem, or it will find you.

[capri0mni]

Thank you. :-)