bryanduffett

[bryanduffett]

Explaining your work is an act of consideration + The Lessons I Have Learned

When Ricky Gervais and his brother were kids they made a pact with each other that if they ever thought of something funny they HAD to say it out loud. Just say it and let the chips fall where they may. Consequences be damned. They thought; if I think it's funny there's a chance someone else might think so too. And that seemed like a good day's work.

This philosophy obviously worked out pretty well for Rick.

I find this approach to **thoughts** to be very refreshing in today's world where many people are genuinely scared to say the wrong thing. Especially publicly.

If you think of something funny you HAVE to say it.

Here's what I think: You could replace the word "funny" with just about anything and still have a good piece of wisdom.

For example:

If you think of something smart you HAVE to say it.

If you think of something unique or creative you HAVE to say it.

If you think of something controversial you HAVE to say it.  

Consequences be damned.

After all, these are just thoughts and words and sentences. What I think is not what I am. What I say is not who I am. It would be silly to attach my identity to the thoughts I hold in my head. I have billions of thoughts every day. Some of them are sweet and kind and romantic. Some of them are murderous and horrible and weak. Thank god my thoughts don't have much to do with who I am.

+- There's this idea that says it is best for poets to not explain their poems before they read them. I just want to say that I do not subscribe to this idea. I love explaining my poems before I read them.

This is because:

1) I love hearing the sound of my voice and the more I explain the more time I get with the microphone in my hand.

ha

haha

2) Poets say people will hear the poem and then: let it mean what it means to them. And we as the creator are supposed to be satisfied with that. This is the dignified artist's POV. That's nice - but in reality people will not let it mean what it means to them. Instead, people will: hear the poem and immediately forget you ever existed while they move on with their life. As they should.

The average person doesn't have time to think about the poem I wrote. Explaining it is an act of consideration. It shows I value the listeners/readers time and am not willing to waste any more of it than absolutely necessary. That's considerate.

This goes for all creative work: Explaining your work is an act of consideration. The average person appreciates a clue, and forgets a mystery. Because they don't have time to be confused because life is fucking confusing enough as it is.

Explain it. Be considerate. And maybe. In the process. You might. Be. Memorable. Meaningful. Or. Magical.

This poem I'm about to read is called The Lessons I Have Learned.

About 10 years ago I was reading a bunch of self help books. My friend said to me: "Bryan, stop reading self help books. Write your own god damn fucking book you pussy."

That's not exactly what he said but that's exactly what I heard.

So I did.

And this poem is a tribute to the book I wrote. 

+- The Lessons I Have Learned I was always working How the midnight oil burned I kept myself distracted Reading Marx hearing Stern Sure they’re tall these walls I’ve built But the knob will sometimes turn A few pages for the book The lessons I have learned Matters of the heart Conquer a mind on endless churn The scripture I have read Can’t match a soul in yearn To walk with authenticity Despite public concern It wasn’t always pretty The lessons I have learned Easy is not good Although I may discern To wrap myself in comfort Is to cage a freedom bird To live at my edge Till the day I rest in urn I’ve come back to revisit The lessons I have learned Save up my money Every cent that I have earned Give my gifts fully Expect nothing in return Work body mind and spirit Let the midnight oil burn Their scent left on the trail The lessons I have learned

-Bryan Duffett

[bryanduffett]

Battery Cafe 05.04.23

[bryanduffett]

Ode To Today

Ode To Today

So I took a detour On the road from there to here So I ran a few red lights So I spoke about my fear So I met a few people So they showed me points of view And they stopped me in my tracks So I questioned what I knew So I’ve got some bad habits So I’ve got my addiction So I show up vulnerable I persevere through connection

So I guess I’m part devil So I see him in you, too So when we look in the mirror Perfectly imperfect has to do So I left someone behind So I have a few regrets So I’ve come to forgive Though I pray I won’t forget So I’m a social animal So I don’t lock myself inside So sometimes I’m a pleaser Sometimes I laugh when I should cry

So I recognize my dad Introduced masculinity And he ain’t perfect either So I wrestle with this energy But I don’t blame him, though So I propose a toast to my father So I commit to this work So my sons won't have to bother So I don’t accept The mediocrity of the crowd So when you see me coming It oughta make you proud

So I’m going to the gym So I’m watching my nutrition So I’m focused on my breath I meditate in this condition So I’m not the smartest So I still sing a song I know where I am weak My community is strong So I keep moving forward So I listen. So I pray May I be a better man Than I was yesterday

--Bryan Duffett

[bryanduffett]

Think of Your Favourite Tree

Think of Your Favourite Tree

I’m talking about stillness, stupid Think of your favourite tree Certain times of year Limbs heavy with snow

Trees don’t shake Like a damp dog Trees meditate Trusting their roots Trusting their wisdom Trusting their nature

I don’t think they’re burdened By the weight of the snow Don’t they wear it like a dress? My kind of fashion show

--Bryan Duffett

[bryanduffett]

Old Friend!

Old Friend!

Old Friend! Our paths have crossed again Sit for a few moments Where’d we end? Where to begin?

The man you see before you A stranger in disguise Please don’t hold against me Innocence time left wise

You’re a stranger to me, too You are my oldest friend Will you share with me? Your experience I desire to lend

How have you changed? How have you struggled? Where are you smooth? Where have you bubbled?

Where you stand Do you speak up loud? Or do you wrap yourself- In the warmth of the crowd?

Who taught you to be small? It helps to understand Why when you walk you feel Like a thief on stolen land

Oh my! How you have all the answers! Friend, don’t forget, As we cast the jigs and reels Don’t tell me what you’ve heard Tell me what you feel

And if you get fucked In the popular opinion Let it be just another fuck Of the fucks you’re not givin

So now we’re a bit wiser Somewhere halfway through the book Forever the protagonists Forever free of the Captain’s hook

Until next time, my friend This chunk of time now over Our paths diverge again Let’s move a little slower

--Bryan Duffett