An Introduction

On thinking about writing

To write we are told
Requires relentless ruthless brutal honesty
And a willingness to betray. 

One might wish to impart a lesson
Of kindness and empathy; if
The writer lacks the sociopathic
Proclivities that characterize most renown authors,
Perhaps they’ll say something that resonates with such lovely
Sentiments. 
But the writing will lack the punch
That would have us re-read.
I would not want to be subject
To Jane Austen’s scrutiny.
The exposures would be too
Harsh.

The talented writer aims for the reader’s 
Jugular. And the good ones, the
Writer who succeeds, bleeds
The reader, 
Some slowly with exquisite beauty and others
With the swift cut and sure thrust. 

But in either case, 
Ruthless relentless honesty
Entwine with beauty. 
Why read if all we find
Is agony; let the agony be
Spiced with art.

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