I Keep Going Back To It
Sometimes you read something on the web and then the next day comes around, and the next, and the next, and this thing seems to keep popping into your thoughts at every turn, whenever someone says something poignant; you’re constantly reminded of it, and you go back and re-read it, and you wonder what you’re supposed to do with it.
Butuki’s “I Am Not a Tree” is one of these things. And the comments which others have left give it even more gravity, more empathy. If you need inspiration, or to appreciate what your life is like, you need to read this too. I can’t just copy it here. I have to send you over there to read it in its entirety, comments and all.
April 20th, 2005 at 4:42 pm
Thanks so much for the link. When someone tells me that what I write has somehow made them think or pause for a moment that’s what gives the time writing its reward. Your link was like the reaction of one of my English students last night, who, after nine months of studying with me, finally arrived at her last class. She had just gotten back from a two week trip to Hawaii and told me that for the first time she was able to visit a foreign country and do more than just ask for a hamburger at MacDonald’s, that she was actually able to have conversations with the locals. Taking my class had made all the difference for her, she told me. And that clinched the reason why I love teaching. That my internet words could leave any kind of residue for you to contemplate really made my day.
Your site is quite eclectic. Keep looking around and finding so many unexpected perspectives.