That line between 'Double-sided paper' and 'One-sided truth' properly got me. It's such a solid way to sneak wanky office jargon into something that aches a bit. I reckon we've all felt like a printer running low on toner at some point. You know. Just quietly hoping someone notices before we jam up completely. Visceral. Thanks for writing this!
What a clever and moving piece, Chris! The way you let office language do its job for the first half and then watch it crack open to reveal the person underneath, is so creative and genius. Really well done, my friend!
Wow, spot on and this was so good to share on a Monday, Chris. A reminder of the quiet cost of giving too much of yourself. Never get to that point of utter depletion. That memoir feature - how absolutely fantastic!! Congratulations, my friend and those are some amazing pictures of Bray Bray :))
I really relate to this one as I’m preparing for a big bureaucratic meeting this week. Another great poem and congratulations again on the incredible article, Chris!
I love the behind the scenes description. Poetry isn't historically my genre, so I love the back stage pass!
Thank you!
Chris, I feel like this is the hinge of your poem:
"Double-sided paper
One-sided truth"
It's where the emotional meaning takes a turn for me. Like an "aha" moment.
This is one of my favorites that you've shared. So so powerful.
Thank you so much Jeannie. It’s not easy being a “lonely pen” but I’m glad we can lean on each other as caregivers who get it.
Agree, Chris. :)
Your article was wonderful to read, thank you for sharing! Great work, congratulations.
Thanks for reading Heather, and for your kind words.
Love this poem, Chris!💛
Appreciate you Mary Beth!
Dude. That mag article looks amazing 🤩 great poem. Happy Monday Chris & fam!🤠🤙
Thanks MJ!
That line between 'Double-sided paper' and 'One-sided truth' properly got me. It's such a solid way to sneak wanky office jargon into something that aches a bit. I reckon we've all felt like a printer running low on toner at some point. You know. Just quietly hoping someone notices before we jam up completely. Visceral. Thanks for writing this!
Thanks so much for reading and seeing the visceral nature under the surface.
All good 🤘😁 Thank *you*.
Also! It baffles me that some of Substack's comment-forms allow italics, yet others force mundane-ol'-asterisks upon us. Why not a bit of consistency?
no idea! lol
This is so clever! Love it!
Thanks Lynn!
What a clever and moving piece, Chris! The way you let office language do its job for the first half and then watch it crack open to reveal the person underneath, is so creative and genius. Really well done, my friend!
Thank you Kelly, for seeing both elements of the poem!
I like it. Playful and grim at once.
Thank you Dr. Deborah, very true.
Wow, spot on and this was so good to share on a Monday, Chris. A reminder of the quiet cost of giving too much of yourself. Never get to that point of utter depletion. That memoir feature - how absolutely fantastic!! Congratulations, my friend and those are some amazing pictures of Bray Bray :))
Thank you Karen… there’s definitely a cost to care for the ones we love.
Love that “shot’s fired” line man, word economy on point
Thanks so much JC!
I loved it always when I got to read about Bray Bray. Thanks for sharing about him with us, Chris!
Thanks so much Rose!
Love this poem!!
Thank you Sonia!
I really enjoy reading these behind the poem sections Chris!
Aww thanks Jess! It helps me contextualize my writing too, I find it very helpful.
I love the clever wordplay throughout this.
It captures the exhaustion that can hide beneath everyday routines.❤️🩹
Thank you for catching that, Florence!
I really relate to this one as I’m preparing for a big bureaucratic meeting this week. Another great poem and congratulations again on the incredible article, Chris!
Good luck at the meeting Sara, I’ll be rooting for you always!
As I always am for you! 🙏