Heather Hubler

Celia replied 2 years, 4 months ago

Great piece Paul, loved the repetition – enjambment, worked so well to emphasise the emotion alongside the asides= like the more you tell/will yourself to feel a certain way, you can’t escape it. Very clever, . I don’t think I’ve ever felt hate but I sure as hell have been angry – there’s a certain, weird satisfaction in it. Expecially when its self- righteous 🤣
Dana Stewart replied 2 years, 4 months ago

Masterpiece, chef’s kiss with this poem, Paul. The urgency and escalation of the hate building, first sinking, then drowning is clever and apt. Melancholic and soothing rhythm, though, fighting the hate. Very relatable piece. Great work.
- Paul Stewart replied 2 years, 4 months ago
  
  Thank you, Dana! I hoped that would come through…the fighting against it. And appreciate your kind comments!
Heather Hubler replied 2 years, 4 months ago

I love how this felt like it snowballed a bit as each line hit and then the repetition with the add-ins began, and it felt like a personal unraveling. Very effective and sadly a little too relatable. Wonderful work 🙂
- Paul Stewart replied 2 years, 4 months ago
  
  I’m glad you enjoyed it…less glad you relate to it…at least it feels like we’re not alone eh? The snowballing thing was an afterthought. I had the original piece…then I did my “tweaks” but it felt so hurried in just one stanza…which is why I thought of it working like a cycle and then all these different extras coming through with each refresh. And also…that’s kinda how my brain works at times lol. Thanks, fin!
ROCK replied 2 years, 4 months ago

I understand how hate is often hurt in disguise or the need to feel better about one’s self amongst the masses…but it destroys us like any disease process. Intense and thought provoking writing.
- Paul Stewart replied 2 years, 4 months ago
  
  Thanks, ROCK! Appreciate that. Totally agree. Sometimes people’s hate is born of something horrible and unpleasant…and can be understandable I guess to an extent…but it’s when you let it rot and fester, I think that’s a problem. Appreciate your comment!
River Joy replied 2 years, 4 months ago

loved the repetition on this, especially how it expanded as the poem went on. It is passionate, beautifully written, and I feel the sense of urgency that Dana expressed. I really enjoyed this.
- Paul Stewart replied 2 years, 4 months ago
  
  Thank you, River! Appreciate that a lot! It was originally going to be a one stanza thing…but then I started adding lots of weird stuff to it…so felt it would work better as a cyclical sorta thing. Thanks and well done on this new place! Loving it already!
Celia replied 2 years, 4 months ago

Definitely emotions – especially strong ones progress that way I think, you captured it perfectly! So glad you here! Feel a bit more like home now..So pleased you posted and even more wowed that you posted a real HOTP! Brillaint and thank you so much!
Kenny Penn replied 2 years, 4 months ago

Really, thoroughly enjoyed this, Paul. Was it written to a tune? It feels like it could be a song. I’ve definitely thought I’ve felt hatred before but looking back I think it was more anger than hate. In my opinion you have to love something before you can truly hate it
- Paul Stewart replied 2 years, 4 months ago
  
  That’s the thing I believe a lot of people get wrong about anger…it gets wrongly described as a negative emotion…when all emotions are valid responses…in their place. But I think you are definitely right there…how can anyone have such a strong opinion about something without knowing them or it? That’s why I find racial hate so messed up and stupid…because it’s not based on real knowledge…people don’t hate black people, for instance, because they are bad people (they might believe lies, half-truths that lead to it) and sometimes there might be people who have had bad experiences…but ususally…that hatred is just a form of fear…and protection agiainst what people don’t like. Anger can be wonderful and helpful and righteous and justified. Anyway, no song in particular….but I do love music and sometimes when writing poetry, I do imagine it being sung, or spoke, or even rapped….so that maybe is why? Thank you anyway. And sorry for the massive reply lol!

Celia replied 2 years, 4 months ago

Aw Rock you are so beautiful and talented insode and out. One of life’s gift to me has been you x I love the intricate, complicated, wonderful beauty you exude in writing and in our interactions. Stunning piece x
River Joy replied 2 years, 4 months ago

Absolutely beautifully done here, I love that it’s a short piece that shows the reader (us) exactly who you are. Just gorgeous.
- ROCK replied 2 years, 4 months ago
  
  Thank you River!
JazzyG replied 2 years, 4 months ago

Ah to say that this brought tears to my eyes wouldn’t be enough to say the emotions you conveyed in this. I felt myself in the lines and wondered if maybe we all experience writing the same way, a way to escape and be. Thank you for sharing!
- ROCK replied 2 years, 4 months ago
  
  Thank you JazzyG; all my best to you.

@hhlynn