WHY DO WE WRITE?...

[Bernard de Silva]

WHY DO WE WRITE?...

Doubtless, there have been many times through history someone has noted, “ perhaps this may be the end of writing as we know it ”…
Obviously, this was likely uttered in times when history was written, in
a manner which more truly recounted and recorded events for posterity.
Today, more than ever, these words perhaps become more relevant by the hour…this is not to say that writing as we know it, will totally be eclipsed by the forces of electronic media but the tide of progress will effectively erode the permanency of the known form.

The march of progress has ushered in an age of convenience, and a well
disguised assassin for truth in history. We live in an age of sensationalism,
commercialism and agenda and thus the media, whether it be printed or visually presented is effectively designed to embrace these factors…
One of the more regrettable results of this trend is that this sensationalism,
forced graphically upon us, which often goes unquestioned by the masses, then forms the basis of what may be later defined as ‘history’…It is perhaps the social duty of today’s writer, to endeavour to convey some reality and a sense of heritage and humane evolution to a coming age.

How and by what means one achieves this, and brokers the desire for people to reflect, depends on the writer…the ball lies at the author’s feet…

[tomchap]

Interesting thoughts Bernie. In these days of high speed electronic media, it's easy to disseminate information, and delete it, with just the touch of a button. But even in earlier times there were those who, for political expediency, deliberately produced misinformation and passed it off as real history.

Writers with a conscience and desire for truth have an obligation to preserve real events and stories as accurately as can be done.

Even personal anecdotes tell of life styles, situations, and events which are passing away from our "advanced" society's knowledge and experience, and I think there's a need to be able to assess values, past and present accurately.

The concerned writer has a lasting part to play.

Tom.

[zondrae]

morning Bernard,

To add my bit.... During my working life ( I retired about 6 years ago) there were several attempts at a 'paperless' office. I found that, particularly where individuals were concerned, the old tangible piece of paper, could never be replaced by a note on a screen. I worked mainly in payroll.  Also, computer systems can crash, backup discs can be corrupted and so on. I always felt more secure knowing I could produce the 'original' document when trying to follow up an accusation of error. (and I had the computer disc backup, which I took home every night, in case of fire)

And, who ever heard of  'curling up in front of the fire with a good computer screen' ?

But why I write poetry in particular is that I have things to say that I would never dare to say if not in verse. If I write a poem I can say, oh it is just an idea, or it is about how someone else can feel, not necessarily me. Sometimes I find something so beautiful that I just have to write it down and maybe I will inspire another person to stop and smell the roses. However the number one reason is that I want to leave something to show that I  have passed this way and I used to get very upset when people would say...."Oh you don't work then, you're just a housewife."

[tomchap]

Zondrae,

Just a housewife...!! That deserves some recognition—already my mind is turning over in support of the most noble and necessary jobs anybody could do.
Watch out in the next couple of weeks for "Just A Housewife".
I think I am also inspired by a challenging line.

Cheers

Tom.

[r. magnay]

'Morning all,

Right with you on that lot Bernie, people complain about politicians, they come a fair way down the ladder for criticism in my opinion, the media with their sensational views and agendas would have to be way in front of them, and in no particular order, magistrates, lawyers, judges, religious leaders, unqualified and self appointed do gooders.............the list goes on. I think most of us write to have our say and express our views to those who are interested, not because we have an agenda to shove in everyones face without thought for their opinions.

Interesting point about "only a housewife" Zondrea, many a customer has rued the day they made that comment to Sheryl, actually they ask "Do you work?" Not only is she a housewife, she is a business partner, bookeeper, mother and Nana, don't ask her if she works or is "only a housewife!"

[James]

Good on ya again Bernie I also agree with what you have to say Ross. That is why this site gets a visit daily to see words others have taken the time and effort to insert. Zondrae there would not be enough space to list the work of a house wife or to go into detail of how this world is affected by them just being " A House wife " James

[zondrae]

evening all,

I am pleased to see you all seem to get exactly the meaning of 'ONLY'. I had this particular bee in my bonnet when in 1976 (or it may have been 77), with two babies just 13 months apart, I had to complete a census form. The question of occupation stated something about.... if more than one job, list jobs in order of time allocated to each task. I started with cook and continued with nurse, teacher, cleaner, driver, laundress, mistress, seamstress, animal carer  etc and ended with night watchwoman. I hope their computer had a hernia.

[therese]

LOL, good for you zondrae!  it may not involve commuting or a salary, but its definately the hardest and at times more taxing undertaking you can have.

......... though there's certainly a lot of benefits and pleasure to be had!!!