In parallel

The creative process in mixed metaphors

Further down the page: Creative Questions with Elissa Altman • my next live UK date • the next online retreat • June True Stories Book Club

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For your stray attention this weekend…

You start with a block of clay / You start in an empty room / You start with a blank canvas, that most accusing of clichés / Clichés are often the highest truth, despite all your reaching for originality.

You begin by working in broad strokes / You begin by sketching it out / You block out your steps, tentative / You are seeking freedom / You are just trying to get the shape of it first / You are not sure if this will work / You are not sure / Should you be sure? / You suspect that certainty is a kind of death / But you are not sure about that either.