Sunday 17 November 2013

Dear Doris


Doris Lessing has died, the dear old thing.

What I love about these elderly women writers is the simple way that they don't think they have to be contentious, just so long as they talk sense, which they always seem to do.

I hate to slag off my own sex, but us men always seem to be ball-driven, no matter how old and feeble we get.

We - poor things - always seem to have something to prove.

Doris and her contemporaries have never had to prove anything - even during the height of the feminist uprising of the 60s and 70s.

I shall miss your wise words and common-sensical outlook on life, dear Doris.

15 comments:

  1. Silly me. I went to light a cigarette just now, and the disposable lighter had run out of gas.

    I opened the cupboard and retrieved a new one, fully charged.

    I was about to throw away the old one, but I thought I would give it one more chance. I struck it, and it lit.

    Now - idiot that I am - I haven't the heart to throw it away, just incase it has one more, little, feeble light to show the world.

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    Replies
    1. That shows the Yin and Yang in all of us: sentiment and power (wherever it sits).

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    2. And the tendency to anthropomorphise.

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    3. I prefer that idea - shape-shifting.

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    4. Will tell husband who at the moment gives a lecture on hybrid-culture.

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  2. I read 'The Golden Notebook' many years ago; now I shall have to search out more. Wise words indeed.

    As you're known for your elegance in all things, I'm rather surprised you don't posses a silver Vesta Box.

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    Replies
    1. Ah, but I like gadgets as well - even inelegant ones.

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  3. Her face is that of an old master painting

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  4. I shall miss her too Tom. Have never thought of men writers as being ball driven before - it has opened up a whole new idea for me, which I shall explore in future!

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  5. I have just read her obit. seems like she was a no-nonsense kind of woman - terrifying.

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    Replies
    1. You find those no-nonsense women terrifying? Not just easy to deal with?

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