I just read your note about your latest Substack being delayed, and I felt compelled to reach out. The world can indeed feel overwhelming right now, with American uncertainties casting long shadows over our sense of stability and hope. I see you, friend. I understand how these heavy times can make the words stick in our throats, make our fingers pause above keyboards, make us question the value of our voices.
But Nelly, your voice - your particular way of seeing and sharing the world - matters more than ever right now. Your writing creates sanctuary for your readers, a place where we can gather to think, feel, and make sense of these uncertain times together. There's a special magic in how your words reach out across digital spaces to touch hearts and minds, to remind us we're not alone in our thoughts, our worries, our hopes.
Don't worry about being "late" with your writing. Words have their own timing, and sometimes the pause, the silence, the gathering of thought is as important as the expression itself. Your readers aren't tapping their watches - we're just grateful to be part of your journey, whenever and however you choose to share it.
The simple act of you showing up, of continuing to write even when it feels heavy, even when the words come slow - that itself is a light in the darkness, a gentle reminder that we can still create beauty and connection even when the world feels jagged and sharp.
Take the time you need. We'll be here, ready to receive your words when they're ready to flow again. Because what you create isn't just content - it's connection, it's community, it's comfort in uncomfortable times.
I’d like to copy and paste this and stick it somewhere. Thank you for being a wonderful cheerleader. I don’t know how our paths first crossed but I’m very grateful they did.
Oh I absolutely get this Nelly! It is so difficult at the moment to find the right subject and tone, I have started so many poems this week and have lost my way half way through as nothing feels good enough or deep enough compared to what’s going on in world. All the poems you have posted here are brilliant, it’s lovely to get to read them, thank you.
Yes, exactly that. They start and then I can’t get them to carry on. Like, ‘what the hell can you say that is right.’ But yes, we must keep on trying, because they’ll come won’t they. And there is a point to the process. Thank you for the kind words x
It's so hard right now to write now. Writers frenzy would definitely be what I'd call my writing mind at the moment. I feel overwhelmed. In the words of Flight of the Conchords: "Too many dicks on the dancefloor!" Lol!! I feel this post so much.
"Too many dicks on the dancefloor"!! LOVE Flight of the Conchords and haven't watched it for the longest time. This made me laugh. Time for a re-watch xx
Nelly, I love this post and getting to read, not just one or two, but three of your poems is so delightful. It made my day. There is so much going on these days and the world is in such need. We just keep showing up when we can and this writing is how we do it. I just adore Poetry Pals; it really is a poetry circle.
And your comment has now made mine which is so deliciously circuitous. I heard Ross Gaye say the other day about how we have the power to ‘make’ someone’s day. Just focusing on that word. Isn’t that a thing. That making we can do. I adore it too.
Nelly, your Feminist Hard Truths so perfectly reflects where I’m at. Last week I too—hesitatingly—bought a pair of trainers, with neutral tones and faux suede details. Here the warmer months are upon us—which now sadly bring a whole lot of stressors—and I thought having lighter toned shoes would coordinate well with my lighter weight clothing and perhaps will make me feel lighter and more cheerful in general. I’ve only worn them twice and already the suede trims have dark, dirty scuff marks. This means meting out precious time to tend to their upkeep which fills me with dread and regret. (There is a metaphor here, somewhere. Or a parable?) The ‘I dream of climbing a mountain with my son - we never reach the top - his little legs don't have the strength for it.’ really hit home though. My son & daughter’s legs are now fully grown but I still fear for them. We have some real fighting ahead of us—together!
Yeah it feels so high up right now doesn’t it. Like it already felt pretty ropey but it just got a whole lot more slippery. Thank you for taking the time to reply. I almost didn’t share that one because it was the least ‘ finished’ of hte lot and now I’m glad I did, because we got to connect over it. And that’s what we need to keep doing isn’t it. Because it’s less terrifying together I think?! xxx
I love your unfinished poems, and I think they are brilliant just as they are, but I get it, we strive for better, we all do I think (which is why I loved the online circle where we share what random poems we think have come up with - apologising for their imperfections - and find them all to be brilliant!!) I love the spilling out of your thoughts, substack is full of posts telling us how to be better, build more of a profile, get more followers etc etc. but I want to see people - poets - who are like me, random thoughts gathered together, sentences that don't string together like we want them to, and unfinished imperfect poems (alhtough I do think yours are pretty perfect as they are). I don't have much energy at the moment, and my brain isn't flowing with words as I would like, but it is so good to be part of your little gang and find inspiration for keeping on. Thank you x
Oh I love being in this gang of unfinished imperfect word writers. I love that about the circles too. And the fact it turns out the stuff we think is really awful ALWAYS has merit, always has the odd killer line or image or something. I feel like there is always a point, even if it is just in the writing and sharing of it, regardless of what it is. Know what I mean? I still think about your line, "in order to know kindness, you must first listen." Thats now weeks later and that line you wrote is still infiltrating my days in a really good way. ANyway, I've gone off on a tangent (weren't we just saying that, hahaha). Love that you are here xx
SO lovely to see some of your work. I think of the opposite of a writers block as like a word frenzy, or akin to being in a rivers rapids being tossed over words and struggling to find coherency somewhere in the white water bubbles. Or as a swarm of bees above my head waiting to be recognised (I wrote a poem with that image a short while ago) I am definitely not as prolific as the beginning of the year, but I do get affected by SAD and I know as the light returns I will feel better. I had a lovely rejection letter this week, which buoyed me up. A poem that was turned down almost immediately by one place made the long list for another and they explained how much they liked it. The world is a fickle place.
And thank you for recognising that a call to arms cannot embrace ALL. I was beginning to feel a failure for being unable to partake in a lot because I just don’t have the energy.
Thank you Tamsin. Yep, very aware of the problems with any blanket "we all need to do this" rhetoric. And a long listing, wonderful!!! And how nice that they took the time to give some feedback. Now the challenge is to keep that good news front of mind! A fickle place indeed. x
So much to write and yet this awareness that it has all been already written a'zillion times. We all keep saying the same darn thing. These outcries, these rants, calls for love, acts of love. Our confusion. Our will to be better and live better. For a better world. The Notes app full and confused. At least mine is.
We write because we need to say the same thing over and over again. Maybe because we don't think anyone is listening. Or maybe it just does not stick. We forget. All of us. Especially me. I forget my own words. I have so much to rewrite. It has been written before a zillion times. And yet, it is necessary. I am so certain of this. And so like a broken record, I write trying to find another, more original way to express the same old thing.. And someone will read it (again) and say,' thank you, I needed to be reminded' (again).
Holy cow Danni, I have immediately subscribed to your Substack after reading this comment because it was like you are in my head and I really like it when other people articulate my own head better than I can. Ha. Oh and hello. Hi. Nice to 'meet' you xx
Thank you. It was the same teason that I wrote the comment. Yes, this instant connection is magic. I love it more than anything else. This is why we are here. Will subscribe right back. Looking forward to this beautiful new exchange. Sending love. Have a wonderful day! xo
So much truth written here. I love it for its honesty. The longing to distill words in a way that brings some calm and even some meaning but the reality that the landscape is too complex for any words that seem clear cut. Thank you for this Nelly and for sharing your poems - they are all beautiful. And yes to the cheerleading alongside the stepping forward in your words. You are *so* gifted at both xxx
That’s it exactly. It’s a sort of longing. Something deeper than “would quite like to”. You know it, right?? Appreciate your cheerleading Ange. I’m looking over at you and feeling warmer xxx
Oh Nelly, I love this. I have been writing, but it's just me in a daze being carried along by some prompts for November Poem-a-day. I'm not writing much that springs out of my own brain (though when it comes, I try to get it down) and my poems are messy and emotional and a little weird. I feel really reassured reading your post, remembering that it's so much more important right now to keep creating and keep our heads above water than to produce a bunch of finished products. Thank you.
Dear Nelly,
I just read your note about your latest Substack being delayed, and I felt compelled to reach out. The world can indeed feel overwhelming right now, with American uncertainties casting long shadows over our sense of stability and hope. I see you, friend. I understand how these heavy times can make the words stick in our throats, make our fingers pause above keyboards, make us question the value of our voices.
But Nelly, your voice - your particular way of seeing and sharing the world - matters more than ever right now. Your writing creates sanctuary for your readers, a place where we can gather to think, feel, and make sense of these uncertain times together. There's a special magic in how your words reach out across digital spaces to touch hearts and minds, to remind us we're not alone in our thoughts, our worries, our hopes.
Don't worry about being "late" with your writing. Words have their own timing, and sometimes the pause, the silence, the gathering of thought is as important as the expression itself. Your readers aren't tapping their watches - we're just grateful to be part of your journey, whenever and however you choose to share it.
The simple act of you showing up, of continuing to write even when it feels heavy, even when the words come slow - that itself is a light in the darkness, a gentle reminder that we can still create beauty and connection even when the world feels jagged and sharp.
Take the time you need. We'll be here, ready to receive your words when they're ready to flow again. Because what you create isn't just content - it's connection, it's community, it's comfort in uncomfortable times.
With deepest appreciation and friendship, Gloria
I’d like to copy and paste this and stick it somewhere. Thank you for being a wonderful cheerleader. I don’t know how our paths first crossed but I’m very grateful they did.
Our paths crossed because I found you and really, really loved what you write. ❤️
Oh I absolutely get this Nelly! It is so difficult at the moment to find the right subject and tone, I have started so many poems this week and have lost my way half way through as nothing feels good enough or deep enough compared to what’s going on in world. All the poems you have posted here are brilliant, it’s lovely to get to read them, thank you.
Yes, exactly that. They start and then I can’t get them to carry on. Like, ‘what the hell can you say that is right.’ But yes, we must keep on trying, because they’ll come won’t they. And there is a point to the process. Thank you for the kind words x
It's so hard right now to write now. Writers frenzy would definitely be what I'd call my writing mind at the moment. I feel overwhelmed. In the words of Flight of the Conchords: "Too many dicks on the dancefloor!" Lol!! I feel this post so much.
"Too many dicks on the dancefloor"!! LOVE Flight of the Conchords and haven't watched it for the longest time. This made me laugh. Time for a re-watch xx
After I wrote it I had to go on YouTube to watch the video again. So good!! I LOVE them too!
Nelly, I love this post and getting to read, not just one or two, but three of your poems is so delightful. It made my day. There is so much going on these days and the world is in such need. We just keep showing up when we can and this writing is how we do it. I just adore Poetry Pals; it really is a poetry circle.
And your comment has now made mine which is so deliciously circuitous. I heard Ross Gaye say the other day about how we have the power to ‘make’ someone’s day. Just focusing on that word. Isn’t that a thing. That making we can do. I adore it too.
I'm so happy to have made your day!
Nelly, your Feminist Hard Truths so perfectly reflects where I’m at. Last week I too—hesitatingly—bought a pair of trainers, with neutral tones and faux suede details. Here the warmer months are upon us—which now sadly bring a whole lot of stressors—and I thought having lighter toned shoes would coordinate well with my lighter weight clothing and perhaps will make me feel lighter and more cheerful in general. I’ve only worn them twice and already the suede trims have dark, dirty scuff marks. This means meting out precious time to tend to their upkeep which fills me with dread and regret. (There is a metaphor here, somewhere. Or a parable?) The ‘I dream of climbing a mountain with my son - we never reach the top - his little legs don't have the strength for it.’ really hit home though. My son & daughter’s legs are now fully grown but I still fear for them. We have some real fighting ahead of us—together!
Yeah it feels so high up right now doesn’t it. Like it already felt pretty ropey but it just got a whole lot more slippery. Thank you for taking the time to reply. I almost didn’t share that one because it was the least ‘ finished’ of hte lot and now I’m glad I did, because we got to connect over it. And that’s what we need to keep doing isn’t it. Because it’s less terrifying together I think?! xxx
I love your unfinished poems, and I think they are brilliant just as they are, but I get it, we strive for better, we all do I think (which is why I loved the online circle where we share what random poems we think have come up with - apologising for their imperfections - and find them all to be brilliant!!) I love the spilling out of your thoughts, substack is full of posts telling us how to be better, build more of a profile, get more followers etc etc. but I want to see people - poets - who are like me, random thoughts gathered together, sentences that don't string together like we want them to, and unfinished imperfect poems (alhtough I do think yours are pretty perfect as they are). I don't have much energy at the moment, and my brain isn't flowing with words as I would like, but it is so good to be part of your little gang and find inspiration for keeping on. Thank you x
Oh I love being in this gang of unfinished imperfect word writers. I love that about the circles too. And the fact it turns out the stuff we think is really awful ALWAYS has merit, always has the odd killer line or image or something. I feel like there is always a point, even if it is just in the writing and sharing of it, regardless of what it is. Know what I mean? I still think about your line, "in order to know kindness, you must first listen." Thats now weeks later and that line you wrote is still infiltrating my days in a really good way. ANyway, I've gone off on a tangent (weren't we just saying that, hahaha). Love that you are here xx
Ah I love that my line has stuck with you!! :) x
SO lovely to see some of your work. I think of the opposite of a writers block as like a word frenzy, or akin to being in a rivers rapids being tossed over words and struggling to find coherency somewhere in the white water bubbles. Or as a swarm of bees above my head waiting to be recognised (I wrote a poem with that image a short while ago) I am definitely not as prolific as the beginning of the year, but I do get affected by SAD and I know as the light returns I will feel better. I had a lovely rejection letter this week, which buoyed me up. A poem that was turned down almost immediately by one place made the long list for another and they explained how much they liked it. The world is a fickle place.
And thank you for recognising that a call to arms cannot embrace ALL. I was beginning to feel a failure for being unable to partake in a lot because I just don’t have the energy.
Thank you Tamsin. Yep, very aware of the problems with any blanket "we all need to do this" rhetoric. And a long listing, wonderful!!! And how nice that they took the time to give some feedback. Now the challenge is to keep that good news front of mind! A fickle place indeed. x
Oh, I'm with Tamsin, too--I LOVE seeing your work and would be so happy to see more of it whenever you feel okay with sharing it.
Thank you, the encouragement means so much xxxx
So much to write and yet this awareness that it has all been already written a'zillion times. We all keep saying the same darn thing. These outcries, these rants, calls for love, acts of love. Our confusion. Our will to be better and live better. For a better world. The Notes app full and confused. At least mine is.
We write because we need to say the same thing over and over again. Maybe because we don't think anyone is listening. Or maybe it just does not stick. We forget. All of us. Especially me. I forget my own words. I have so much to rewrite. It has been written before a zillion times. And yet, it is necessary. I am so certain of this. And so like a broken record, I write trying to find another, more original way to express the same old thing.. And someone will read it (again) and say,' thank you, I needed to be reminded' (again).
Thank you. I needed this reminder. xo Danni
Holy cow Danni, I have immediately subscribed to your Substack after reading this comment because it was like you are in my head and I really like it when other people articulate my own head better than I can. Ha. Oh and hello. Hi. Nice to 'meet' you xx
Thank you. It was the same teason that I wrote the comment. Yes, this instant connection is magic. I love it more than anything else. This is why we are here. Will subscribe right back. Looking forward to this beautiful new exchange. Sending love. Have a wonderful day! xo
Right back at you xxx
So much truth written here. I love it for its honesty. The longing to distill words in a way that brings some calm and even some meaning but the reality that the landscape is too complex for any words that seem clear cut. Thank you for this Nelly and for sharing your poems - they are all beautiful. And yes to the cheerleading alongside the stepping forward in your words. You are *so* gifted at both xxx
That’s it exactly. It’s a sort of longing. Something deeper than “would quite like to”. You know it, right?? Appreciate your cheerleading Ange. I’m looking over at you and feeling warmer xxx
Yes to the longing. Yes to the exchange of warmth - thank you for yours 🥰
Oh Nelly, I love this. I have been writing, but it's just me in a daze being carried along by some prompts for November Poem-a-day. I'm not writing much that springs out of my own brain (though when it comes, I try to get it down) and my poems are messy and emotional and a little weird. I feel really reassured reading your post, remembering that it's so much more important right now to keep creating and keep our heads above water than to produce a bunch of finished products. Thank you.
You summarise that perfectly. Wish I'd put that line at the bottom, haha. Good to hear I'm not the only one writing out the randomness. xxx