"
Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. "Pooh?" he whispered.
"Yes, Piglet?"
"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's hand. "I just wanted to be sure of you." —
A.A. Milne (
Winnie-the-Pooh)
I have been thinking about things not said. I love this quote. I love the simplicity. I love that nothing is spelled out but that feeling of safety, friendship and returned love is utterly captured.
I have been thinking about how good writing works. How to write a feeling without explaining the feeling. How to grab a moment and make it sit still long enough to become perfectly realized. It is not easy to do. I think it is all about recognition. That is the root. To see yourself in a character or room or time or place or awkward situation pulls you into the writing. It becomes familiar, personal, meaningful, important, yours. I
know that feeling. I know the small moment of cocooned relief Piglet feels holding Pooh's hand. Such good writing.
Published on April 16, 2011 13:03
Anne Ipsen