So I go to the loo this afternoon (that's "the bathroom" to some of you) and I find my usual brand of toilet paper is suddenly embossed with cutesy hearts. I almost throw the whole roll of it right into the bin -- but I guess that would leave me high and dry.
Seriously, though, I loathe Valentine hearts. Firstly, they're not even slightly reminiscent of the real human organ, which is vast, fist-shaped, and riddled with veins and arteries. It's an unbelievable muscle, designed to pump the body's weight of blood in a constant, reinvigorating circle...and it can keep on going for years and years. Now that's something to marvel at. The real heart is gutsy, relentless, and animal -- all our processes, be they cerebral, emotional, physical, sexual...each and every one relies upon our heart. The real heart will see you through every situation until the day you stop.
In 1369* at Inman Square, I was ordering some tea when I noticed a picture of the human heart -- not a twee cartoon, but something close to the real muscle. It formed the cover-design for The Inman Review, a beautifully presented, local lit mag I'm looking forward to reading. I wish I could show you the gorgeous cover (artist: Alethea Jones) but I can't find a pic on the internet, so allow me to describe it: Alethea has used the real, human heart to communicate the connections between the different parts of Cambridge -- a major artery is labeled as Cambridge itself, while smaller veins form Inman and Prospect. By using such a powerful symbol, the artist shows us how local life can be the thumping centre of artistic community and creative inspiration.
That's true love. Right there. And it deserves an honest symbol. In fact, my dear friend, KL Pereira, who's a truly inspirational teacher, encourages writers to build monster characters starting with the heart. Sketch your monster's central organ, says KL. Build from within. Right on, sister!
So don't give away your real heart. Adore it.
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*1369, at both Inman and Central, is one of the best places to drink tea / coffee while you're writing. Committed to the arts, both coffee houses display the work of local artists. I meet my dear writer-friend Amy there, which gives it added pleasure for me. Highly recommended. I love these guys.
I got my copy of The Inman Review at Darwin's Cafe on Mass Ave. It really is lovely.
Posted by: CKHB | February 12, 2010 at 12:44 AM
How nice of you to comment! Great to know it's at Darwin's too. Thanks for letting us know!
Posted by: Sue | February 12, 2010 at 07:20 AM