deepundergroundpoetry.com
Scrap Paper
I have thought a great deal
about the freedom of
writing,
drawing
doodling
on cheap newsprint.
A disposable medium.
For practice.
The safety,
the permission
it gives to experiment.
Without fear of failure,
criticism
exposing too much of yourself.
Thoughts made permanent
in
a precious notebook.
Available to judgmental eyes,
even if they are just your own.
about the freedom of
writing,
drawing
doodling
on cheap newsprint.
A disposable medium.
For practice.
The safety,
the permission
it gives to experiment.
Without fear of failure,
criticism
exposing too much of yourself.
Thoughts made permanent
in
a precious notebook.
Available to judgmental eyes,
even if they are just your own.
Published 27th Aug 2023
Author's Note
Georgia O’Keeffe did a lot of experimenting on newsprint. It is easy to explore on a cheap medium- gets you out of the headspace that what you are doing is precious, needs to be perfect or saved. I put a lot of newsprint in the fire. The freedom can come at a price of fearing the “good” paper or “perfect “ journal and not using them.
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
likes 3
reading list entries 1
comments 5
reads 129
Commenting Preference:
The author encourages honest critique.
27th Aug 2023 5:37am
Dear T,
Insightful. So true. The higher price I put on the “good” stuff I own the more I never use it. Now I’ve spent a ton of money on stuff I’m too afraid to use because I’ll ruin it somehow. 🙄
How backward is that? I appreciate the reminder of this write to use and enjoy everything. We’re lucky enough to have it. Great piece. H🌷
Insightful. So true. The higher price I put on the “good” stuff I own the more I never use it. Now I’ve spent a ton of money on stuff I’m too afraid to use because I’ll ruin it somehow. 🙄
How backward is that? I appreciate the reminder of this write to use and enjoy everything. We’re lucky enough to have it. Great piece. H🌷
27th Aug 2023 5:50am
I am making myself use the good books and paper. Starting my last sketchbook I started with a note to myself to play and explore. I am getting more comfortable with exploring and experimenting in my good sketchbooks and journals. I am getting better at accepting mistakes. It can be just as freeing to play with good paper. It has taken me some time. 🌹
27th Aug 2023 6:00am
I know a guy who drew on brown paper grocery bags.
His sketchbooks ought to be in the Smithsonian!
Life is short, though, so just do it on whatever you got.
His sketchbooks ought to be in the Smithsonian!
Life is short, though, so just do it on whatever you got.
This is so true. I take pieces of scrap paper, probably hundreds of them and write my everything…
I have many fine leather bound journals, the pages requiring the perfect amount of pen and temperament.
They sit empty.
I have many fine leather bound journals, the pages requiring the perfect amount of pen and temperament.
They sit empty.
28th Aug 2023 8:16pm
I almost think commenting goes against the principle of this poem! But, I think the commas are unnecessary and can be removed.
