Poetic Divination and Happy Birthday

“A Writer’s Prayer” by Neil Gaiman

Oh Lord,

let me not be one of those who writes too much.

Who spreads himself too thinly with his words

diluting all the things he has to say

like butter spread too thinly over toast,

or watered milk in some worn-out hotel.

But let me write the things I have to say

and then be silent till I need to speak.

Oh Lord,

let me not be one of those who writes too little.

A decade man between each tale. Or more.

Where every word accrues significance

and dread replaces joy upon the page.

Perfection is like chasing the horizon.

You kept perfection, gave the rest to us.

So let me earn the wisdom to move on.

But over and above those two mad spectres of

parsimony and profligacy,

Lord, let me be brave.

And let me, while I craft my tales, be wise.

Let me say true things in a voice that’s true,

and, with the truth in mind, let me write lies.

Happy birthday, Mr. Gaiman…