>>> Item number 31148 from WRITERS LOG9406A --- (243 records) ---- <<< Date: Sat, 4 Jun 1994 18:35:03 JST Reply-To: WRITERS Sender: WRITERS From: Mike Barker Subject: FAQ: Writhing in the Mists: A Diffident Hello (v.1) It's been a while, and I'm feeling lazy, so here's a re-run! Writhing in the Mists: A Diffident Hello April 1, 1993 (Vers. 1) mike barker (tinkerer's apprentice) 614 words Delving in the deeps of the electronic jangle, you've found this. And like others before you, you may wonder just what you've found. Looking closely, you'll learn this is a mirror. It may be called WRITERS@NDSUVM1.BITNET or writers@vm1.nodak.edu, but in the mists, the mirror dangles at the end of electronic vines that wrap around the world, thrusting tendrils searching for those the mirror can brighten. What kind of mirror? Sometimes brassy, sometimes glassy and quicksilver gleaming, but always changing and ever the same, a flowing stream casting reflections across the jangle. Beware of what you may find here, for the writers' mirror can reflect a terrible swift sword of sight, slicing the wings from angels to make them walk the earth, burning you with a blackened wisp of sad regrets, or bringing life to the diamond heart. Swinging again, you may see moonbeams dancing on elven toes, glimpse the navel of the buddha, feel the poet's wild fire. On another swing, who knows what will look out from that mirror, bringing laughter and fear, heartbreak or drear? But try the mesmerizing crystal for a while, watch it swing and twist, sway and turn, sooth and burn, and you may learn to crave its oddly comforting swirls and curls dancing in the night. Add your own trembling dashes to the invigorated bobbing of this mystical mirror and you may find it a doorway, opening again and again into worlds of wandering wonder, blundering banter, tactless technique, even friendship now and then. Watch as it swings, lightly it sings, sometimes prosaic, sometimes too terrible for human hearts breaking, now there's your face, here comes a race, and there.. a truth you've never dared to show? words your heart had ready to flow? tears and smiles, too many miles yet to go, before you reap the work you seek, yet walking with others is twice as fast as digging alone into the past. Be aware of the mirror, let it guide you and mind you, but mostly hello, from one tale twister to another. Hello, writer. Keep an eye out for yourself in the mirror - you may enjoy what you learn about yourself!