drenched in the company of greatness

“Breathe Karen Lynn”, I say to my self as I lay the first lines.

“These folks are for real. Are you sure you’re ready for this?” my whisper nods.

Then suddenly without exhale I hit the Join Button in one swift warrior move with every intention of slaying the mighty wall I built to stand behind. The minute I stood here with no more walls, no more excuses, and no more control I panicked. The first few moments were marked by my frantic attempts to find a piece I wrote last year. Posting that would surely prove my worth as a writer and set the stage for getting what I want. But I couldn’t find it.

Thank GOoDness I couldn’t find it! 
Because here I am telling you the truth of what it feels like to BE me as a writer. It feels like showing up for the grand gala, my old and tattered invitation crinkled atop the humble pie I bring to beg my place in line. Oh I look to dress the part but all the while I hope my slip isn’t showing. It feels like the constant nudge that lives in the tension of my back will only lessen if I offer my work for a much needed massage.  It feels like waves of lies, breaking against the Yes my spirit uttered silently to myself today, me flowing back and forth, to erode the fear and doubt that has shaped the beach I hesitate to move from.

And yet here I stand, wearing only the smile of my authenticity, wet from thought to finger, drenched in the company of greatness with only this tiny post to offer as my introduction…

A philosopher maybe
                 A poet indeed
A foe or a friend
Whatever in need

I stand on your conscience
            I breathe of your thoughts
You fret and you worry
for things you should not

I am of what I am to be
A philosopher maybe
But a poet
Indeed?

            ~Karen Lynn circa 1977

Thank you for holding this sacred space for my arrival and may my presence here enrich us all. Sending much love with every key I tap. Namaste, K-

Re: drenched in the company of greatness

Wow! How brave you are to admit, what so many of us(I think) feel!  I love the way you described it, as I often feel like “my slip is showing” as well! Namaste~Josy

Re: drenched in the company of greatness

Be afraid, Karen Lynn, be very afraid.

Because you are in the company of greatness.

You. You are far greater than you ever dreamed you could be. All you have to do is follow your fear. Fear is your friend in this gallery of wordly souls. As a lantern or a sword it will guide you deep into the depths of your great Self, which holds nothing impossible.

I'm so glad you're so great!

More later….

Tom

PS. You forget your slip is good. Let it show! Where do you think good writers come from, if not from showing their slips?

Re: drenched in the company of greatness

Also, Karen Lynn, I want to thank you for your courage, too. To see you open your heart so fearfully yet bravely gives me courage, and believe me I need it.

It's hard to give a greater gift than courage.

Thank you for sharing what you feel like as a writer. That's an amazing step, very well done. And the poem is beautiful. Any newer ones about?

(Pressure is a fairly ordinary state of being for a writer, so thought I'd give you some practice.)

Random observation: Vulnerability is where the art comes from.

Love,

Tom

Re: drenched in the company of greatness

For sure. For sure, my friends. Courage is a mighty force blowing through the cracks in our armour causing the soft vulnerability of a slip to be admired. A big word of Thanks is sent to you both for your kind words and gentle touch.

As with most of my writing, the peice above is that moment's voice moving through me. I don't always care about my slip, humble pie or invitations. But in that moment of arriving to be the one who writes the lines I do, it was a fitting expression.

Yes, Tom, Fear has been both a friend and foe. and Yes, you are so right to be connected to the essence shaping the underbelly of the line  in the company of greatness - it includes me as well as you, all of us. Sometimes I'm in awe. Sometimes I'm afraid. At times I've even been distracted enough to believe it's just me. but we know, greatness is the energy we allow to move through us as writers, artist and musicians. Greatness is the gift of Co-Creation

and I feel Happy Happy Happy to be co-creating here with all of you.
Syn

Re: drenched in the company of greatness

Karen Lynn:

The only people who are brave are those who take the next step despite their fear. Showing up is half the battle, and we’re delighted to have you in all your moods and with all your dreams. This constantly evolving workshop is a non-zero sum game. There are no winners or losers. Just people seeking to develop their craft and discover things about themselves by diving deeper, and by so doing, help others to do the same. In the Commonwealth of Letters, that’s the best game there is. Thanks for taking the plunge.

Re: drenched in the company of greatness

Miss Karen Lynn,

There you are, yet again, putting words to all the things I have yet to notice I am feeling. With one of my favorite poems, too. I don't remember the question mark at the end, is that new?

As always you leave me feeling inspired with the distinct experience of BEING fully present. I am so grateful for your presence on this board, and for your loving invitation for me to dive in.

I am so excited to be in the presence of those that can handle and appreciate the appearance of your slip. I might even say that they would relish the chance to watch the slip fall aside every once in awhile to see you in all of your raw, and uninhibited grandeur.

I know I'll be watching closely. ;)

-Loni Love