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betsy mctiernan's avatar

I didn't think anyone could capture in words how I feel. This is a brilliant piece, even the stage directions. And truth, authenticity and good writing give me a spark, however brief, of hope for us all.

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

Thank you, Betsy. I agree about the spark that comes from art ingested in judicious doses. It doesn't even have to address specific issues that I might be preoccupied with. Just being in the presence of creative energy is very healing.

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Jocelyn Lovelle's avatar

Wow. Susie, just wow. Such beautiful cadence. Such power in metaphor. The way you swing from global horrors to personal liberties and communion lost. "While real books are swept off the shelves of libraries to make way for rising seas of artificial intelligence and avalanches of ignorance leaving us in thrall to devices that can remember Andrew Jackson’s second inaugural but not your mother’s smell." Ohmygod. Seriously. There are so many gorgeous pieces of writing in here. This piece is so powerful and real and at the same time lyrical. I'm reminded of some acid jazz I enjoy where the voice over is like a beat poem, running over baseline and the percussion. This is what your piece is like. A jazz band with a narrator, all rhythm and timing and grit.

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

I'm so happy with your response and your interest in my work overall. I'd like to stretch my writing muscles and do more of this "acid jazz," although I'd never heard that term before. This subject really leant itself to a freeform riff. Apparently, I still have that in me! It was very energizing and lifted me out of a dark whole that was all bitching and moaning. Thanks so much for posting the link on your note and for your subscription.

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Jocelyn Lovelle's avatar

Please do!! I'm working on finding a couple of songs for you. I listen on Pandora, so the mix just plays and I don't always know the band or title. I'm waiting for a couple of examples to come up and when they do, I'll share them with you.

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

A dark whole is even worse than a dark hole. Thanks for keeping an ear out for music for me.

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

Jocelyn....You are a wonder of research skills and generosity. Thank you so much. I'm especially taken with Wax Tailor. That's some great music. You make me feel welcome in the land of acid jazz. I tend to be more turned in on myself...but this work is really out in the world. I should spend ore time out there!

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Jocelyn Lovelle's avatar

❤ Thank you! And that is so lovely that I helped you feel welcome! What a gift. I love jazz and music in general, but especially jazz. I went to Wax Tailor's youtube and found this song, which I've loved for years. Don't know if you've stumbled across it yet:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I18_VNjX3g

I understand that feeling of being tuned in on myself. I'm also working at getting myself more out into the world. Big hugs to you!

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betsy mctiernan's avatar

Yes to not having to relate to specific issues. Art, poetry, fiction remind me that humans are complex beings capable of great beauty, not just violence and stupidity.

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

And great tenderness

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Marjorie Power's avatar

I’m sure this is an excellent piece - I skimmed most of it - will save it for another day. I just don’t seem to have the energy for mind boggling topics right now.

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

That's the trouble with acceleration. It's exhausting. Dip in when you can. In the meanwhile....many blessings to you and Max.

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Sharon Coleman's avatar

Thank you, Susie, for this truth, wisdom, and humor. This piece begs to be read aloud on a stage!

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

Thank you, Sharon. I believe this is the third version of "Acceleration." The second version was written to be offered at IWOW. The final section does need to be updated each time so that the references are up to date. So glad you enjoyed it.

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Zingy Guy's avatar

Susie, One of your all-time best!!!! zingy guy

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

I am indeed very proud of this one. I stretched myself and just let it fly. Glad it resonated with you.

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