Untitled
A rather somber piece.
I pat my brows with a handkerchief I fancy, and I think about the plight we are in today; it makes me squirm. In all my words you seek to find a formula, but your ledgers are filled with trending tabs (ephemeral tallies). You make me feel like I should be held in a box. It is impossible for someone to grow or be better than they were yesterday; simply by choice, they wish to step back and publish a little slower, less frequently.
Instead, I will feed you garbage and you will call it human. I will drag my silk in the mud and feed your mind cheese instead of vegetables, making you constipated so that you will never grow. This is the way to take a pen away from a writer, to seduce (inveigle) us with your own (machinations) agenda, to mark a name with something trending so we will click it and gobble it up while you get paid.
It is nothing against you, because I will still click it so that compassion and love might reign supreme… still…
This is the way to throw her talent out of the window, so that not even her lipstick smears the frame. I am not writing for myself; I am writing for others who feel this way. My lipstick will be the deeper red against the modern (glister) flare of something that (vitiates,) dulls like a pencil lead.
I fear that her words won’t reach the ears of someone who needs them, someone who needs the help she could bring from her own experience. You will be the one to withhold help from another stuck in their room, under a blanket in the dark. They haven’t brushed their teeth or their hair; they haven't taken a bite of a juicy burger, or even moved to care for themselves. The tears are still streaming down their face.
Your pencil lead only draws strokes on their faces, saying they will be well if they are just left all by themselves. But my (unalloyed) visceral truth will set them free. Their lips will be as red as mine, worthy to be taken out for a night in a red dress and sipping red wine.
A/N: I have seen things that I do not like, but I also yearn to protect others whenever I write. This piece reflects that: at least, I hope it does. I did not intend to cause offence; so, if you are offended, please accept my apologies. This is art, and this is (ardor) love.
About the Creator
Caitlin Charlton
poetry too close to home
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Top insights
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
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Comments (19)
First a big congratulations on this top story well done. I'm also catching up with my writers work because I have not been on here as much. Secondly do not apologise for such a powerful piece like this, so much emotion I can feel it and wisdom with this knowledge and your Writting is very empowering. 💜 You have got this girl.
Congrats on top story!! I can’t believe I missed this beautiful piece of yours until now. Do not apologize for claiming space, not here. You have wisdom and experience with which to soothe and lift up - and you wield it without restraint. I adore this piece and I adore you!
There is much emotion submerged here. It feels like you wrote the tip of the iceberg—that alone is a force of your nature. It was begging to be written. I am so glad that you did. Top story kudos!
Hugs to you and congratulations on this well deserved top story. You have such a wonderful voice So glad to have the opportunity to indulge in it
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Not surprised to see this with the Top Story bade. Well wrought Caitlin
I love the truths that you spoke here! I love the concept of compassion and love reigning supreme. They always shine through extra bright in your interactions! This piece was blue ribbon brilliance CC! Thx 4 sharing sweet friend! 💕
Great story as always Caitlin. I feel another top story coming on. 😉😉. Full of conviction and as always you have spoken from your heart. I think if people write about topics that they hope will attract a large number of clicks, they have lost the passion that comes with writing.
There’s deep compassion beneath the anger here. Writing as protection, as reaching for those in the dark, feels powerful and necessary.
I love that you wrote this to protect others. I felt very seen when reading this :-)
Your prose bled slow, like I should read it while drinking a coffee in the morning (though, I don't really drink coffee). I felt your heart in this one, reaching out and showing. Red lips are bold, as is writing such a piece like this (I mean that in the best way possible 💛) Amazing piece, Caitlin 💛
I love the direction you took this in, the parenthetical corrections are brilliant. Thank you for always inspiring me to take steps outside of my comfort zone and leading by example.💖
This is written with resolve, conviction and a firm hand, Caitlin. In my naïveté I was not aware of the strategy of using trending topics to generate more clicks. I feel both your righteous indignation and your empathy in your words. I hope that all is well.
Sounds like a cry of being fed up, which I totally relate to, Caitlin. But also, I always put the responsibility on the writers that churn out clickbait material. They should know better and it's their sh*t to deal with.
Oh wow, this was so deep, poignant, and thought provoking. Sending you lots of love and hugs ❤️
I agree with Sara. I too. I don't resonate with writing populism. Authenticity is important...and thanks for this elegant defence, Caitlin.
I can't imagine I could contribute anything as perfect as those in the comments have already said.. This is powerful, beautiful, unapologetic. Writing about trending topics for pay is something I understand, but don't resonate with. I could do it... But I prefer writing feelings and personal experiences. Feels too much like homework to write about every trending topic. I get it if it's something you're really passionate about, but otherwise.. not for me. Hope you're well!! 💟💟
This was so poetic, full of vivid imagery and raw emotion. I loved this line: "You will be the one to withhold help from another stuck in their room, under a blanket in the dark." I like to think that's what we do as writers, send lifelines to the person drowning in their own despair. They read our words and find reason to keep going, realization they aren't alone, or just a needed distraction from life.
Beautiful, unapologetic and slightly cryptic. Hope all is well Caitlin. This was written with your usual evocative flair.