12 Comments
User's avatar
Antonio Castellaneta's avatar

Your reflection resonates deeply with me. Sometimes we think we are shaping words, while quietly the words are shaping us. Perhaps the most enduring writing is not what explains, but what reveals what has always been waiting beneath the surface. Thank you for this beautiful piece.

JL Tooker's avatar

Antonio, thank you for your kind words. I am happy you found resonance among them. 'Discovery' is a word I see differently now. I've become more attached to the 'art' of revealing what may have always been there; hence uncovering like an archaeologist.

Nancy E. Holroyd, RN's avatar

Writing has become revelatory for you. Isn't that true of so many writers? We learn as much about the writer if not more than the material they were writing about.

charlene prince birkeland's avatar

I'm enjoying reading and seeing your evolution as a writer and creative. You embody that self curiosity that we all need to delight in exploring our voices. Thanks for sharing with us!❤️✨

JL Tooker's avatar

Charlene, thank you.

Someone once said to me, "a poem becomes an instrument for seeing yourself." Clearly, I feel writing, in general, is my instrument for seeing myself. :-)

Jule Kucera's avatar

"We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time." Congratulations on your exploration and discovery! 🎉

JL Tooker's avatar

Jule, thank you for your beautiful support. It's amazing the release of burden when I finally quit fighting to fit my voice to something that didn't feel my natural language. 🙏

Vernacular Bible Explorer's avatar

Enjoy the ideas of archaeological writing and transformative work. This line will resonate in true poets’ hearts: “Sound shapes meaning.”

JL Tooker's avatar

It's like I've finally given myself permission to speak my natural language. :-) Thank you for your always support.

Joshua Robinson's avatar

Love, love, love this--not only is it beautifully expressed but I'm so happy knowing you are embracing this epiphany moment! ✨ Making leads to learning, learning leads to growth, and growth leads to making more amazing work. I can't wait to see what you make next! 😁🎉

JL Tooker's avatar

The release of burden is what I feel ... now free to play in my natural space. Not for everyone, I'm sure, but for me ... right now.

I'm creating my first story from scratch with this new mindset and am loving every step of the way ... so far. I'm going to submit it to a contest for feedback first, but am excited to share eventually on Substack.

JL Tooker's avatar

Nancy, your noticing means the world to me. Thank you!