h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: Not enough time to live twice - A12042910
Author: sprout - U192568

Haven't been writing much recently, and certainly not much that is any good.

This has something I hope.

sprout

You bet it has something.

Two things needed to make a fine writer, sprout.
- Something to say
- The imagination to say it well
You've got both, my friend.

(and if it's any consolation, I was a tall poppy, but I only found happiness once I'd learned what your grey-guy knew all along)

Pin

Thank you. I'm more than usually grateful for the feedback because as I hinted, I've had a recent loss of inspiration (and time to write).

I really admire people who have the strength of their convictions to take the difficult path. It's just a shame that so often (at least in my circle of acquaintances) it seems to end badly. I'm glad you were able to find your way onwards.

My head knows that the decisions I took were probably the right ones - but my heart will always be intrigued as to what might have been - no regrets though - just curious...

sprout

Sprout, I found your poem unbearably sad

and congratulations, sprout. The <./>underguide</.> would like this one of your's for the UnderGuide and for the Front Page. That makes three now, and you know the drill so I don't need to explain.

It is a sad poem, but there's a lot to be said for the simple pleasures. Thank you for submitting this here.

Hi Sprout - the UG version can be found here:

A20514827

Is that how the spacing should look on the sections with dashes? If not, shout out, or if there's anything further you want doing to it.

Looks good - thanks very much,

sprout

Just dropping by to say you're on the Front Page at the moment, and have a couple of comments on the entry. I wish we could automatically subscribe people to their polished UG entries, but we can't.

Hmm...

This is one of those things that I read at the time but didn't know what to say.

Reading it again tonight, I must say that I think it works very well on a 'technical', 'poetic' level.

Having said that, I'm not exactly an expert! But to be specific:

I like the rhythm throughout - sometimes quite regular, at other times seeming to emphasise through a change in pace.

I really liked the rhyme between 'percentages' - 'rough edges' - and then again with 'shades of grey'-'anonymity' and 'wife and son' - 'elbows on'.

As far as the underlying emotion is concerned - I have felt something similar myself, occasionally. But I can't say I worry about it. I believe in Candide/Voltaire's maxim: 'Il faut cultiver son jardin'!

Anyway - hope you enjoyed your moment of Front Page glory - but more importantly, I hope you still enjoy sharing your musings with us here on the site.

DD