Your writing is beautiful, Paul. I agree that the best writing points us to something outside itself, something bigger than itself and bigger than each of us individually. It inspires. Yours does so in droves. Keep it up, Paul!
This poem with your magically inspiring voice is beautiful. So lucky for all of us that you didn’t give up, and you grace us with your poetry. Thank you Paul.
Paul, I am so surprised to read this. I joined Substack only a few months before you, and I remember the first time I read your poems, you had a ton of subscribers and I assumed that you were one of the most well-known poets here (it still seems like that!). Thank you for sharing this—it is so encouraging.
I think I began Paul’s Substack July 30, 2023. I posted this piece August 20 but only drew my first subscriber on September 1. I think growth didn’t start in earnest until November 2023, so much of what I posted my first 2-3 months on Substack garnered very little attention. Even at the end of October 2023, stats show I had only 33 subscribers. Then things began to change and I was/am amazed.
Beautiful poem, beautiful flow and beautifully read. It's hard to believe no one subscribed but glad you continued for that one person. If you show up, others will too, eventually.
Glad you are somewhere. A heart beat in a timely space. Keep pumping positive poetry Paul.
Thank you, Richard. I'm always happy to read your comments and I will try to remain positive!
Very nice and I enjoyed reading ars poetica, thanks for that referral.
Thanks, Wes — I think ars poetica’s work is extraordinary. Glad you enjoyed it.
Your writing is beautiful, Paul. I agree that the best writing points us to something outside itself, something bigger than itself and bigger than each of us individually. It inspires. Yours does so in droves. Keep it up, Paul!
I see your work in the same way, Mike. Keep unfurling for us!
Keep writing Paul! We need you!
I intend to keep writing, Jamie. Thank you for reading and commenting.
This poem with your magically inspiring voice is beautiful. So lucky for all of us that you didn’t give up, and you grace us with your poetry. Thank you Paul.
Thank you, Monica—I’m grateful for your comments and support.
Paul, I am so surprised to read this. I joined Substack only a few months before you, and I remember the first time I read your poems, you had a ton of subscribers and I assumed that you were one of the most well-known poets here (it still seems like that!). Thank you for sharing this—it is so encouraging.
I think I began Paul’s Substack July 30, 2023. I posted this piece August 20 but only drew my first subscriber on September 1. I think growth didn’t start in earnest until November 2023, so much of what I posted my first 2-3 months on Substack garnered very little attention. Even at the end of October 2023, stats show I had only 33 subscribers. Then things began to change and I was/am amazed.
It's so cool to see that growth!
I'm also neither here nor there, and once I asked a wise friend: "whom I can talk to, to ask for advice, for I don't know where I'm needed the most"
"Dear Chennie", she answered, "I can tell you: every moment, you're needed the most precisely where you are"
Nothing was decided for me, -and I of course hoped something would, for I'm weary-yet what she said, stayed with me.
Maybe I am, after all, sometimes here, sometimes there, wherever I needed the most.
Thank you, Paul-I'm happy you're here (or there)
This is a beautiful poem Paul. Congratulations ✨
Thank you for reading and commenting, Deborah & for the Congrats, as well. I’m grateful.
So pleased to be reading your poetry.
Thank you, Maureen!
Beautiful poem, beautiful flow and beautifully read. It's hard to believe no one subscribed but glad you continued for that one person. If you show up, others will too, eventually.
I am glad I stayed, S E
….but somewhere in between, seeking neither here nor there.
Thanks for your help with my post. 🦕
Thanks, Wendy and Congratulations on the growth of Dating Dinosaurs! 🦖
Great poem about the precipice of transition. Plus an informative narrative about your origin story and where you want to go!
Thank so much, Stan, for your continued support. You've been here since early on and I appreciate both you and your work.
And I feel the same about you. Your work inspires me!
Grateful to @An K. for this restack!