I’m writing this blog post kind of unexpectedly –
unexpectedly because technically I don’t have to. If my mathematical
calculations are correct – it’s been fourteen months since I pulled out of my
single semester of a Bachelor of Accounting, so this proposition is made
hesitantly – I’m about 500 words over my total word-count already, but I don’t
really mind if I get penalised for it.
It’s been a week since the festival ended – semester two
commences tomorrow. I’m just thinking about all of those writers who came and
shared a part of themselves with a crowd of people the majority of whom they’ve
never met. I don’t really believe in the cynicism about writers’ festivals –
certainly not about this one. This event shows that books form connections with
people that transcend physical proximity, and I think writers are aware of that
when they come to speak to their readers. They speak with a familiarity that
echoes the tone of their works – picking up a conversation started on paper and
expanding it into the rooms we sat in for four days. I think it’s kind of
beautiful.
I’m posting the lyrics to one of my favourite songs because
it seems to fit here. It’s called ‘Immortal’ and it’s by Marina and the
Diamonds, one of my favourite musical artists. It isn’t strictly poetry but it’s
one of the songs I’ve heard in my life that speaks to me the most.
As long as we keep sowing love in the world, it will live on
and on and on, and it will make a difference. That’s what these writers have
done – the festival is just another place they’ve decided to plant. This is
what I want to do, for the rest of my life, I think.
And that’s what this festival and this subject has
reaffirmed me to do. So I’m happy and grateful for this experience, and for
life in general.
This is a beautiful affirmation Zach. Thanks for your reflections - and for the song, which I hadn't heard before.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sue! I'm glad you like it and I appreciate you checking it out! Also glad that you like the song! :)
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