I love how this strips away all the debate over the medium and focuses purely on that quiet moment when a line reaches across to make someone feel understood ✨
This flows beautifully Monica, it expresses a connection between two inner minds/experiences & hearts. This is such a wonderful piece to read at a time where writing can be quickly judged, tossed aside for length or picked apart by AI tools like some writers have mentioned happening here on Substack. Whether someone was inspired by a song, an experience, used AI to translate into another language or to correct mistakes etc. isn't something I care about, I connect with how it made me think, feel and what I can learn.
I feel exactly the same way. AI is at its best when it amplifies, preserves, or makes human work more accessible. It becomes more contentious when it's used to judge, classify, or authenticate the humans who created that work in the first place.
Monica, “Every honest instrument can lead someone through the night” places the reader’s encounter above the hierarchy surrounding tools. The poem gives truth a relational test: meaning proves its life when it steadies fear, names isolation, or opens shared perception between writer and reader. Your hidden bell image also protects the writer’s agency, since the faithful method is the one capable of carrying what would otherwise remain unheard. Thank you for defending artistic freedom through the human consequences of language and for returning the conversation to whether the work reaches a heart.
Thank you Monica. This has been a balm for my souls of sorts. Suddenly Substack became a little less friendly this week and I feel I have to justify and hand in my resume for every piece I write. What I have gained through reading peoples thoughts here over the last 7 months has made me a better human. Regardless of how those words were penned. Yes, authenticity is important, but the connection with the words has made connections with people, something we all need. Such a beautiful and important piece. 🥰🥰🥰
Thank you friend. We don’t hate the builder because he used tools to build our home. I don’t care what tools were used the stories and message are created by the writer. That is the only thing that matters.
The line “a shared perception grows” stayed with me. That is what reading can become at its best: not admiration for the instrument, but recognition between two inner worlds.
Beautiful writing. Two of my favorite lines are..."Stories cultivate hope in me. Poems always understood." I also like the way you tied in painting and the different writing instruments. I've always loved poetry and used to write it a lot when I was much younger, so I appreciate and am inspired by your writing
Gorgeous. Such a beautiful expression of truth.
Thank you Carrie
I love how this strips away all the debate over the medium and focuses purely on that quiet moment when a line reaches across to make someone feel understood ✨
Exactly Brandi, that is why we read in the first place
This flows beautifully Monica, it expresses a connection between two inner minds/experiences & hearts. This is such a wonderful piece to read at a time where writing can be quickly judged, tossed aside for length or picked apart by AI tools like some writers have mentioned happening here on Substack. Whether someone was inspired by a song, an experience, used AI to translate into another language or to correct mistakes etc. isn't something I care about, I connect with how it made me think, feel and what I can learn.
I feel exactly the same way. AI is at its best when it amplifies, preserves, or makes human work more accessible. It becomes more contentious when it's used to judge, classify, or authenticate the humans who created that work in the first place.
I love the balance —the sound and the sense, both. Beautiful writing, thank you.
Thank you
Monica, “Every honest instrument can lead someone through the night” places the reader’s encounter above the hierarchy surrounding tools. The poem gives truth a relational test: meaning proves its life when it steadies fear, names isolation, or opens shared perception between writer and reader. Your hidden bell image also protects the writer’s agency, since the faithful method is the one capable of carrying what would otherwise remain unheard. Thank you for defending artistic freedom through the human consequences of language and for returning the conversation to whether the work reaches a heart.
Thank you Monica. This has been a balm for my souls of sorts. Suddenly Substack became a little less friendly this week and I feel I have to justify and hand in my resume for every piece I write. What I have gained through reading peoples thoughts here over the last 7 months has made me a better human. Regardless of how those words were penned. Yes, authenticity is important, but the connection with the words has made connections with people, something we all need. Such a beautiful and important piece. 🥰🥰🥰
Thank you friend. We don’t hate the builder because he used tools to build our home. I don’t care what tools were used the stories and message are created by the writer. That is the only thing that matters.
One sentence named my isolation.
Another steadied all my fears.
A single line became a hand
that made my vision clear.
So true isn’t it?
So I restacked my favorite passage. A lovely moment of affirmation in what’s been a hectic day.
Thank you for reading and sharing
God, I love a straightforward, honest beat.
Thank you Jason.
Beautiful.
Thank you.
Love this. So many golden nuggets.
The line “a shared perception grows” stayed with me. That is what reading can become at its best: not admiration for the instrument, but recognition between two inner worlds.
Yes
Much said in a few words, good thoughts :)
Thank you Sarah
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 🙏🏼🌺🙏🏼
Thank you Brian
Beautiful writing. Two of my favorite lines are..."Stories cultivate hope in me. Poems always understood." I also like the way you tied in painting and the different writing instruments. I've always loved poetry and used to write it a lot when I was much younger, so I appreciate and am inspired by your writing
Thank you for reading and your thoughtful comment. There is always time to get back to writing poetry. I would love to read it when you do.
It's on the list! 🤣😁
I look forward to your poetry