Photo: John Haynes
Yesterday, we mentioned author Hilary Mantel in passing, not knowing it was also her birthday. Thanks to Joseph Peschel, we found these wise words from her, more than fitting for the coming week:
“If you get stuck, get away from your desk. Take a walk, take a bath, go to sleep, make a pie, draw, listen to music, meditate, exercise; whatever you do, don’t just stick there scowling at the problem. But don’t make telephone calls or go to a party; if you do, other people’s words will pour in where your lost words should be. Open a gap for them, create a space. Be patient.”
July 7th, 2014 at 9:05 am
I take a walk-
His mocking words whisper in my head..
You , a writer?
Soap does not wash away inner demons.
Nightmares of frozen feet appear
As I search for words.
I cannot make an apple pie,
I try in vain.
The knife bleeds an apple red
Stain of contempt on my right finger.
Music around me, blue lights of meditation
My left knee aches, words fail to soothe
As I increase the incline.
I pick up my phone
My mother speaks-
There is nothing you cannot do,
The reassurance floods,
As strong, as steely, as firm
As forty two years of living.
I organise a party,
Hey, my block is all gone!