This final chapter of Nine Gates serves not only as summation of the book itself, but of my own journey as a writer, and a person. I think anyone who gives themselves over to the pursuit of truth - for that is all art is, is the pursuit of truth - is aware of their existence at this border between misty countries. I think, to be responsible, one cannot shrink away from it. You must give yourself over to that struggle if you are to speak honestly. Because, in the end, there are two paths before you: the path of easy ignorance and the path of hard-won awakening. It would be easier not to question these things, certainly. It would be easier to live a life free of pain. But there would be no wisdom or grace in it.
What Hirschfield says about accepting everything - weed and flower in equal measure - spoke to a feeling in me that's been growing the older I've become. I think the job of an artist is to see everything, to see and speak about it honestly. We are the people who are trusted to make sense of life. And we have so little time on this earth. So I think the only way to make sense of it - all the beauty and hardship - is, as Hirschfield says, to accept it. Maybe with the right perspective we can turn suffering into blessings. After all, hardship is as much a part of human experience as joy. Everything we see, every part of our little lives should be exulted in. I mentioned I was genderfluid the first day of class, but that's why - if I have one life to live I want to claim everything I can. Womanhood, manhood, happiness, grief, strife, joy. I claim it all.
Matt, your interpretation of this section is beautiful. I really appreciate that you made it more personal as to how you are able to step into the threshold and experience all things. Like you said, understanding comes with acceptance of the world as it is, the beautiful and the ugly. You also said that you are in the pursuit of truth so I wanted to ask, with so many different truths out there to seek, how do you decide which ones are worth the time and understanding?
Matt,
I am always astounded that we can all read the same story and come out with many different readings, all just as amazing as the next. I appreciated the more personal post you have shared with us. I focused on a different aspect of this chapter, but I think you have pointed out yet another important point made about how we as writers have not only a responsibility to show every perspective of humanity, but also to be honest about the things that we see. I think we as writers may not even understand what that honesty is until we've reached the end of a poem and are awakened to a new perspective. Sometimes, are subconscious shows through into our writing and those lines are the ones we should be facing and building on, facing the truth instead of ignoring it, as you said.
Hi Matt, Your interpretation and reflective words helped me understand Hirshfield's. I love how you live to claim everything you can. How do you do it though? How do live fully with the hardship and beauty? I was wondering because I find I almost always shy away from pain.
Hi Matt, Okay wow you definitely went off on this discussion as you do in class discussions too! I think this last chapter definitely does more than just serving the book but serving us the endings and journeys we have had as poets and just ourselves in general. I love how you included the paths of easy ignorance and hard won awakening. I also have to agree with Emma’s question above, do you ever encounter times when you’re holding back? What do you do to push pass these times?
Hi Matt! First of all, wow. I'm always super blown away by the things you contribute to our group discussions and this is no exception. I'd be interested to know from you, how do you, as an artist, make sure people are listening when you decide to create art that speaks honestly even though it might be a hard thing to speak too? Do you ever encounter times when you feel like you're holding yourself back from doing so in fear of being judged or misunderstood?