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Victoria Barrett's avatar

This is just kind kind of encouraging thing that I needed today. Such warmth and sensitivity in your outlook on the world. Keep at it Franco.

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Franco Amati's avatar

Thanks for the encouraging words, Victoria. Cheers.

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Giulietta Passarelli's avatar

A nice creation, Franco, and heartfelt too. Thanks.

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Franco Amati's avatar

thank you, Giulietta <3

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Russell C. Smith's avatar

Brilliant piece on the urge to create. I've always loved Van Gogh's letters.

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Franco Amati's avatar

There's some real poignant stuff in that book. Love it. Thank you, Russell.

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Mary Corbin's avatar

artists (and creative impulse) are misunderstood and undervalued, that is for sure!

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Franco Amati's avatar

absolutely. Thank you for the comment, Mary <3

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Ria Galliano's avatar

It's hard to balance being the consumer and the creator. I think those are two natural and at times combating traits inside us. Both useful, yet both sometimes punishing. Well saidand nice use of the van gogh quote.

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Franco Amati's avatar

Thanks Ria. Agreed, there's the good side and the bad side of both tendencies.

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Radovan's avatar

Finally someone understands!! “like there’s something wrong with

setting the self apart from the opinions

and trifling habits of the masses” Exactly that! 🙏

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Selina Shapland's avatar

One of my favourite lines from this essay is ‘You have to constantly put your soul on the chopping block in order to get by. ’ it is so resonant. A very thought provoking poem too. Thank you for writing.

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Caroline's avatar

I so much relate to this 🙏🏼

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Franco Amati's avatar

Thank you, Caroline. I'm glad to hear it resonated with you. 🙏

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K.C. Knouse's avatar

The mystics say the infinity of God is present in each individual. That includes the infinity of creation. I always craved more time to write and imagined a time when it would be possible. Instead, I have been blessed with enough time to write, more than I realized over the years, and a full life from which to draw upon. I could relate to every sentiment expressed in your poem.

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Franco Amati's avatar

Thank you, K.C.! I like the notion of the infinity of creation. May we all be blessed with more time to write in days such as these.

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Matt Tandy's avatar

New to you. Really interesting read!

Particularly related to this section! Great stuff…

I sometimes get frustrated, not being able to write all the time. I sometimes feel shame that I’ve been at this for a while and it’s not my full-time profession. But then I think so many people don’t even try. They’re the ones who are missing out. And I remember that, even the capacity and the desire and the will to keep at it, is a blessing. Those are things no one can take away from you. No one can really stop you.

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Franco Amati's avatar

glad you could connect with it, Matt. Thank you for the comment!

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Jenine Baines's avatar

Wondrous read, Franco! Thank you, and yes I so relate

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Franco Amati's avatar

Thanks Jeni! Glad to hear that you can relate:)

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Rosa's avatar

It resonates with what I've always thought amidst all the chaotic noise of the world we cease to hear our inner self. I love the part that says change is our constant companion in the exploration of ourselves thank you

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Franco Amati's avatar

Thank you, Rosa. I'm glad that you found connection with this. :)

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Anne K Scott's avatar

Keep the faith Franco

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Franco Amati's avatar

thank you Anne <3 I will. I appreciate your encouragement.

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Craig Strickland's avatar

This one hit a chord, Franco. When it comes to public perception of creativity, the line between madness and brilliance is very thin indeed. Great poem.

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Franco Amati's avatar

it really is! it's that perception that can cause us to get down on ourselves. Thank you for this comment, Craig!

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Elaine R. Frieman's avatar

If you’re writing and keeping going, that’s amazing! 🫶🏻🤩 I think most authors and writers even with published books have to supplement their income with day jobs or coaching businesses or teaching so I think few creatives just get to be artists these days. I guess millionaires and billionaires no longer serve as wealthy patrons to creative types. 🤔

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Franco Amati's avatar

thanks, Elaine. That's a really astute observation. maybe someday it'll be different.

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Jill Eng's avatar

Phenomenal piece, Franco. And I can relate! Thank you for writing it up so well!

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Franco Amati's avatar

Glad you could relate, Jill. And thank you :)

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