20 Comments
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K.C. Knouse's avatar

For me, the point of this piece is not that these precious moments are constantly passing, but that you recognize them as they happen and celebrate them. That is truly living, my friend. That you captured this in a prose piece is commendable for this is usually the stuff of poetry. Brilliant writing, Matt.

Matt Inwood's avatar

Very kind, Ken. Noticing does seem to be a lost art — and I’m regularly as guilty as most, I’m certain. I’m often sceptical of ‘the story’ because it can so easily drive over the details and with it so many small things are lost to that which is over-arching or large. Yet the small things are those supporting stones across which we step and where each foot must first land and find balance.

K.C. Knouse's avatar

That is one of the most thoughtful replies to a comment I have ever received, Matt. Thank you.

Mark Diacono's avatar

Beautiful, Matt, really

Matt Inwood's avatar

Thanks so much, Mark. I’ve adopted Andrew from Vanilla Black on the back of this piece.

Jaime Brandel's avatar

This is one of the most beautiful things I have read in a long while. These small quiet noticings that make up a life. I love the way you see.. the way you write. Exquisite.

Matt Inwood's avatar

That’s so kind, thank you, Jaime.

MargaretGypsy's avatar

Beautiful. Amazing what a scribble can transform into.........

Matt Inwood's avatar

Thank you, Margaret. And you're right. It's often the one- or two-word scribbles that leave much more room for things to percolate and serve as a way of stopping whole stories and ideas being forgotten.

Vanilla Black's avatar

I wish you were my dad.

Matt Inwood's avatar

I gave the best piggybacks. I was still taking Bessie into school on my shoulders at the age of 7. I would adopt you in a flash.

Vanilla Black's avatar

Well that’s perfect, I’m only 7.

Matt Inwood's avatar

Excellent, I’ll fit the stirrups.

Sally Hirst's avatar

Yes. Appreciate the moments. A good reminder.

Matt Inwood's avatar

Thank you, Sally.

Sharron Bassano's avatar

So very full of light and texture. Your writing is always so lyrical, Matt. Like a lovely melody. Thank you.

Matt Inwood's avatar

Thank you, Sharron. So glad you enjoyed.

Jane Allardyce's avatar

You have a way of weaving words of such heart-rending power. I am reminded of the line in Radiohead’s How to Disappear Completely “the moment’s already passed”. Being a parent only seems to magnify that sense. Thank you for your words Matt. As ever, they are beautiful.

Matt Inwood's avatar

That's so kind, thank you Jane. And I've always loved that song, possibly more than any other Radiohead song, so I'm moved that it brought that to mind for you.