View from Alcatraz taken by Mr. Erobintica last summer.
Funny how little things make you think big thoughts.
A couple of weeks ago I sent Donna George Storey a poem that I wrote, oh, about three years ago. I thought she might appreciate it in light of her series of The Mile High Club - themed blog posts. She did. Then she asked me if she could post it on her blog. Cool. But. This particular poem had been published last year in a print journal. Under my full name. And yeah, I have the rights to it and could have just said yeah, go ahead. But. I'm kind of a stickler for giving credit where credit is due. It's common knowledge/courtesy/practice to mention places where works have been previously published.
So, I thought about it. And thought about it some more. I'm not ashamed of my poetry. I'm not ashamed of my erotica/smut/porn/whatever. This was something that came into play when I was coming up with a "pen name." So I'd set it up so that at some point in the future all the various writer personas could merge. But I didn't expect it to start happening so fast.
Well, best laid plans and all that. I told Donna that yes, she could post my poem. It's kind of thrilling and scary at the same time. Like good sex. It's that loss of control.
I know there's plenty of erotic authors out there who keep a tight lid on their private life. And I respect that. Don't think any the worse - I understand - and would never, ever think of "outing" someone. But for me, well, secrets are something I don't like living with. I did for most of my life and it was hell.
So, now I'm peeking out at the view. It looks ... real. I like that. But. Not quite ready to make a full break for it. So, I probably won't link the two places ... yet. And it's most likely I'll link from here to there first. I don't think any erotic folks will be shocked at my writing poetry. But, I know that some folks that know me through my poetry, or just know me, would be shocked by Erobintica.
The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage."
~Thucydides (c.460-400 BC)
11 comments:
I hope that the peeking out continues to be satisfying. I loved the poem (I just came from Donna's blog.)
And then you really hooked me by quoting Thyucidides!
Don't know if I've mentioned it, but I'm an ancient history fan, and I love his history of the Peloponnesian war.
verification word: undiva
I'm quite sure you are undiva, Robin.
Congratulations, Robin! I knew that was you when I saw it on Donna's blog, but I wasn't sure if you were making public the connection. I really liked the poem, btw.
If you feel comfortable with it, that's great to be "coming out," so to speak. I frankly would love to if I didn't harbor this vague concern about customers knowing my given name and location. We'll see.
Yay for you! :)
Great poem, Robin. I, too, have tried to "will" the right passenger to sit next to me. Nice to read about when it actually works! Hope springs eternal.
cerulean
Glad you enjoyed the poem Craig. It was funny, I was trying to find a quote and that's the one that I knew fit. I'm trying to even imagine myself as a diva - roflmao - don't think so!
Emerald, thank you! Yeah, I'm comfortable with it. And hey, I'm just a poet. Even the folks that know what I do never go searching out my work. So, I'm not too worried.
cerulean - that plane ride is etched in my memory! ;-)
and thanks!
Lovely poem, Robin :) And if "coming out" feels right, then it's the right thing to do :)
~Jennifer
Brava to you for all of it!
Are you having a "coming out" party?
Jennifer, thanks! And yeah, it does. Kinda like a weights been lifted a bit.
EllaRegina, hehe, hadn't thought of that. I am wearing my BHT button to poetry tonight - though I doubt anyone will notice - 'tis the way.
Congrats on the incipient merge! (Have you set up a "Merging Traffic" sign?)
[By the way, when you talk about your names merging, I always think of John Cougar Mellencamp. : )]
Hey Jeremy, hmmm. Well, I doubt it'll be like I merge onto the freeway - straight into the fast lane!
The secret of the secrtets
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