The Dig
Feeling nostalgic. Pulled out an oldie today. This was my very first published piece, published in Once Upon a Time magazine. I didn’t get paid a dime for this one, but still remember it as one of my favorite moments as a writer when I received the acceptance. It came in a colorful envelope with a fake dollar and one of the nicest, most upbeat acceptance letters I have ever received. Thank you, OUaT, for believing in me and helping me to do the same.
The Dig
by Liana Mahoney
I am an archaeologist.
I dig for what is buried under layers
of knowledge, assumption, and prejudice.
With blind faith, I search for artifacts –
art, and facts –
that I trust lie in the depths,
waiting to be uncovered,
discovered.
Tools at hand, I have the power
to corrupt or preserve the integrity of
what lies beneath the surface.
With painful precision, I
brush away sediments
to reveal trinkets of truth,
morsels of memories.
My discoveries are time capsules –
Immortal gifts to the future
and testaments to the past.
And so I dig.
I am the soul’s archaeologist.
I am a writer.
Believe in yourself, writer friends! Keep digging…keep writing!
Don’t forget to check out today’s Poetry Friday round-up with poet extraordinaire and fellow Poetry Garager, Renee LaTulippe at No Water River.
What a lovely poem and metaphor, Liana. It’s fun to go back for those blasts from the past. What year was this? And what’s with the fake dollar? That just seems cruel! 🙂
Hmmm…I think it was 1999, but I’d have to look it up to be sure. The fake dollar was actually really nice. It had all these neat little upbeat graphics on it. The editor’s name escapes me right now, but she was intent on helping new writers break in and motivating them to keep going. Loved that publication. I knew when I submitted there that it wasn’t a paying market, but I still didn’t have any confidence in my writing, and felt certain all my work would be rejected. In the same week, I remember receiving two more acceptances for poetry, and though my total payment received for all three was a whopping $4, I was still over the moon.
Love your extended metaphor, Liana. I can see why it was published. It’s a keeper. I especially like the last line delivering that lovely “aha” moment.
Thanks, Violet! It’s a bit “over-written,” but it makes me a little nostalgic to relive the moment of my first acceptance, especially since the validation made that last line so real at last.
Love this, Liana… especially “trinkets of truth” and “morsels of memories.” Still working on digging through the clutter too, I suppose? Well, at least I am.
Thank you, Michelle. Yes, still working on the clutter at this end, and making some good progress, if I do say so. Good luck with your clutter-removal mission.
This is lovely! “I am the sou’s archeologist” is the perfect metaphor for a writer. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Catherine!
How fun to have that “dollar bill” to frame and memorialize the beginning of your published writing career…even if it didn’t earn you any actual bucks!!
Thanks, Mary Lee. Yes…payment for work is wonderful, but so is validation. 🙂
Love your poem, Liana, and I love your sentiment that the magazine helped you believe in yourself. That is the hardest thing to do it seems. =)
Thanks, Bridget! I agree…especially when you’re just beginning to take risks and try getting your work in print. It can be very daunting. Validation is pretty wonderful!
I like your metaphor! “Tools at hand, I have the power
to corrupt or preserve the integrity of
what lies beneath the surface.” — nice!
Years ago, an editor bought two of my stories and sent me a lovely, encouraging note and I still remember it! Those bits of kindness stay with us.
Thanks, Tabatha! I agree. You never forget kind words, especially when they are given in times of need.