(10 am. – promoted by ek hornbeck)
A week of economic fear. And fighting in England’s streets. An anxious week. Your Bloguero heard (do not ask how) that sometimes chefs lose their sense of taste. This is called “ageusia.” And writers, if they are similarly afflicted by a professional malady, what might they lose? What a disturbing thought. Alas, your Bloguero is relieved to state that he was wrong to propose the analogy: the loss does not come from tasting too many of one’s own concoctions. Not at all. It is neurological. It has other causes. Completely. Regardless, and if you will excuse his beginning this essay with these worrisome inner thoughts, your Bloguero will offer an excuse explanation. This Friday he is tired of reading is own written words. And he fears the consequences to his remaining sanity of continues to spew them. What will he lose if he presses on? He’s not going to find out. No way. He will take the weekend off. He will begin again next week, after the Ides of August.
But not to fear. Or be disappointed. This essay is not about to peter out and become wordless because of your Bloguero’s hypochondria. No. Your Bloguero has found remarkable words of Eduardo Galeano for you to contemplate:
On the shores of another sea, an old potter retires.
His eyes cloud over, his hands tremble, the hour to say goodbye has arrived. Then the ceremony of initiation begins: the old potter offers the young potter his best piece. As tradition dictates among the Indians of northwest America, the outgoing artist gives his masterwork to the incoming one.
And the young potter doesn’t keep that perfect vase to contemplate or admire: he smashes it on the ground, breaks it into a thousand pieces, picks up the pieces, and incorporates them into his own clay.
Walking Words (1993).
Isn’t that wonderful?
This Week In The Dream Antilles is usually a weekly digest. Sometimes, like now, it is not actually a digest of essays posted in the past week at The Dream Antilles. For that you have to visit The Dream Antilles. Please leave a comment so that your Bloguero will know that you stopped by. Or, even easier, just click the “Encouragement jar”. Your Bloguero likes to know you’ve visited.
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cross posted from The Dream Antilles
3 comments
Author
It’s very close to the essence of life.
I have heard a theory that allergies develop from excessive contact. But then homeopathy treats disease with a tiny dilute part of the disease. Interesting thoughts are always sprouting up in these Antilles.
Chefs and writers are always trying to get to the essence, and it’s hard work. Chefs usually have a whole kitchen staff to command or tyrannize. The writer has only himself. Ageusia sounds like perfect karmic justice for those who may need it.
Exhaustion and burnout demand a remedy. Have a perfect rest.