This courageous, beautifully written piece is also very important in so many ways. Our struggles with body image are universal though often not mentioned from the male perspective. This writer is more than brave in revealing the struggle and isolation he endured, encouraging the reader to want to hear more. Looking forward the memoir! Thanks, Darcey, for posting this piece and to John for your willingness to write and share it!
John: If I was at that dance, I would have sat on the stage with you and talked about all things Rush. I memorized moving pictures in middle school while all my friends were listing to Madonna. Thank you for your brave story. The things we carry with us from childhood is profound. Best of luck to you on your memoir.
Thank you, Julie. That would have been a fun conversation. I expect Rush, and certainly the chamois shirt with their pins on its pocket, will appear elsewhere in my memoir. (Have you read Geddy Lee's memoir yet? I recommend it.)
The middle school angst personified. Thank you so much for this piece in which you reveal much more than the surface issues of body image. You deal with the “let me reject you before you have a chance to reject me” issues central to that age and to all people who must pass through (in their own versions of self-consciousness) in a most honest and profound way. Happy belated birthday, you brave and endearing soul!
Thank you, Shirley. When I was notified of your comment I remembered that you were still away when I read this in writing group. I'm glad you're back and looking forward to seeing you Thursday. (And that “let me reject you before you have a chance to reject me” issue will make other appearances in my work.)
Thank you very much, Darcey. I'm grateful for your support and enthusiasm.
This courageous, beautifully written piece is also very important in so many ways. Our struggles with body image are universal though often not mentioned from the male perspective. This writer is more than brave in revealing the struggle and isolation he endured, encouraging the reader to want to hear more. Looking forward the memoir! Thanks, Darcey, for posting this piece and to John for your willingness to write and share it!
Thank you, Daphne, for pointing out this opportunity to me, and for all you support and encouragement. See you Thursday!
John: If I was at that dance, I would have sat on the stage with you and talked about all things Rush. I memorized moving pictures in middle school while all my friends were listing to Madonna. Thank you for your brave story. The things we carry with us from childhood is profound. Best of luck to you on your memoir.
Thank you, Julie. That would have been a fun conversation. I expect Rush, and certainly the chamois shirt with their pins on its pocket, will appear elsewhere in my memoir. (Have you read Geddy Lee's memoir yet? I recommend it.)
The middle school angst personified. Thank you so much for this piece in which you reveal much more than the surface issues of body image. You deal with the “let me reject you before you have a chance to reject me” issues central to that age and to all people who must pass through (in their own versions of self-consciousness) in a most honest and profound way. Happy belated birthday, you brave and endearing soul!
Thank you, Shirley. When I was notified of your comment I remembered that you were still away when I read this in writing group. I'm glad you're back and looking forward to seeing you Thursday. (And that “let me reject you before you have a chance to reject me” issue will make other appearances in my work.)
Love your writing, John—so elegantly to the point!