Words that Alter, Words that Pierce

Writing must pierce. Being a writer is like sitting on the table for your  first tattoo, or earring, or nose ring. The searing needle burning into your skin, the drop of blood a symbol of what you’ve done. Your body is forever altered.

 

And the way the world sees you has also changed. You’ve made an impression on it, on every passerby that briefly or profoundly stares at you. The gaze depends on the beholder. For some it’s the spectac...