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GET OVER IT (on having my story for Haiti rejected)

Posted by kheldar on February 3, 2010 - 15:58
from the ABC set THE HUMAN CONDITION

So very many people died
And yet somehow I can't abide,
The thought my story was no good
Get over it? I know I should.

Millions have nowhere to live
They only have what handouts give,
And yet I'm cut unto the quick
Like that parrot, I feel sick.

I thought of throwing in my pen
Of writing not one word again,
And then I thought of all they've lost
My dented pride's a paltry cost.

I will not carry out my plan
I'll be instead a better man,
Do what I can to help the book
Buy a copy, sneak a look.

Though feeling still a tad upset
The bigger scene I'll not forget,
I'll lick my wound a while still
Get over it? You bet I will!

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Comments

mmseason | February 3, 2010 - 18:19

Made me grin. :0) And it contains a basic human emotional truth.

What book for Haiti does this refer to btw?

There is also Crossed Genre's page at: http://crossedgenres.com/haiti/ – it says, 'Post A Story For Haiti' but it also says, 'You can contribute anything: stories, poetry, artwork, comics, etc.' No audition required! It works on the pay-what-you-think-it's-worth basis, readers donate. Some big names are up there, Catherynne M. Valente, Jay Lake, Jeff VanderMeer, obviously most sf as it's that kind of zine but no reason it has to be sf. I just wish they'd given a field for a taster of what each one is about...

Oops, got rambling on. Never mind, if it's not for you, pass the word on. :0)

~ mand
The Travel Hopefully Blog

kheldar | February 3, 2010 - 18:56

Hi mand,

If yoe look on the home page, you can follow it through from there. Thanks for the heads up on the other stuff, I'll check it out.

Kheldar :--)

shoe | February 3, 2010 - 20:10

Made me smile and feel sad at the same time, in many ways, Think I'll buy the book too,

kheldar | February 3, 2010 - 20:38

Thanks shoe, not too sad I hope, your countenance is much too fair to be marked by the shadows of melancholly xxx :--)

tcook | February 4, 2010 - 09:49

And never forget that these decisions are subjective - I thought your story was excellent - but you never know what the editors are looking for.

kheldar | February 4, 2010 - 12:16

Thanks for that Tony :--)

mmseason | February 4, 2010 - 16:34

Would you believe i never look at the front page? Seen it now... ;0)

~ mand
The Travel Hopefully Blog

MistakenMagic | February 4, 2010 - 17:50

I completely sympathise! I'm only eighteen but have already suffered several poetry rejections; Tower Poetry Prize, Poetry London Competition, ABC Radio competition, Poetry Review - and most recently Popshot magazine ... but although each of these came as a blow I kept on writing and submitting and in the autumn of last year I actually got a commended in the Foyle Young Poet Award and got to go to London to meet the Poet Laureate. So please don't ever give up - just keep trying and it will pay off ;)

Magic xxx

vidit.chopra | February 5, 2010 - 15:42

My sympathies. I too have been prone to such feelings. Happens with me all the time.
But hey it in turn becomes your inspiration to write about it and move on.
Nifty optimism and great comparison. This is so true.
Vidit

kheldar | February 5, 2010 - 16:38

Vidit, thanks very much for that :--)