“If NONE of us are stronger, then how can we give assistance, to those of us who life’s seen fit to offer some resistance.”
~ Lucas Bright
Last Friday I scattered a whole lotta rhyme, that was penned out, then pinned up and penned for a time.
I suppose I was seeking a suitable stage, before I let little Lucas leap out from his cage.
True, I was hoping he’d make it to print; my words plus some pictures, both making a mint.
But really, that’s silly. I don’t have to sell, every idea I draw from the well.
Lucas is limber with language he’s learned. Spitting specifics with syllables burned.
Though he will not be dropping down words every day, I’ve invited Lucas to come out and play.
I’ve offered a spot as occasional host. He said he’d love to produce a periodic post.
So we shook hands in my mind, then he disappeared. Now here is some air, that I’d like to have cleared.
When I rose last Friday, my inbox was FAT with “I do not believe that a child wrote that!”
I never intended for people to think that Lucas existed outside of a wink.
When fans aren’t familiar with your form of fiction, it’s difficult to diddle around with your diction.
But writers should seek to revamp their voices, to amplify, mushroom and multiply choices.
I can do that when scribing a page in my book, but this blog, well it’s holding a whole different hook.
So I’ll say it again, little Lucas is fake, but he gives me a different perspective to take.
He can be loud, and a bit unafraid. He hasn’t yet made the decisions I’ve made.
He can ask questions that I never would, because he is standing where I’ve never stood.
He makes me think, though I thought of him first. I give him breath, but I’m well reimbursed.
Let’s imagine that Lucas is sitting in class, scribbling a note he’s now ready to pass.
“Don’t look now,” it says, “but my teacher’s real mad. She knows I’m busting rhymes while I’m with Writer Dad.
Writer Dad
If you enjoyed these words, please subscribe (for free) by RSS or Email. I tweet here, and Stumble here. If you’d like to hire me, you can do that here. Thanks!
The awesome illustration of Lucas was done by David Wright (Blogger Dad). Also, I just want to give a special thanks to two of my old clients/new friends. Karen, your continuing chain of compliments since Thursday evening have been each one better than the last. Last night’s email was my favorite so far. Thank you for appreciating Daisy and I as much as you so obviously do. Teena, thank you for all the comments. I know how late you stayed up reading last night, and all I can say is “Get to BED!” Teena has been busy buzzing from post to post, leaving comments and giddy emails in between. Teena, I feel how deep your family’s happiness for us runs. Thank you.
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A kid can’t write that
I wonder if I finally master to the English language, somebody would scream: a foreigner can’t write that.
Miguel de Luiss last blog post..Let your creativity flow
I think that Lucas should come out and play as often as he needs to! He has lots to say and many of us can learn from him!
Ditto Teena.
Sean, Lucas, WD, “Ya’ll”, I’m excited for what lies ahead in these pages. It’s going to be posts that’s been missing for ages….Ugh, when I read a rhyme, that’s what happens, sorry.
“Holding a whole different hook”, well, you got me caught. Looking forward to what’s to come.
-Scott
Scotts last blog post..What Is My Purpose
Well done, my friend! The talent is really “soaring.”
All the best,
Art
A Dad’s Lifes last blog post..Fixed up
I’m just curious, how did you choose the name Lucas?
Kool Aids last blog post..where’s the love, man?
Lucas sounds like a well versed young man (pun intended), but that passing notes in class must stop, otherwise it will be detention for him and then we won’t get to enjoy his musings.
Sals last blog post..Controlled Burning
Great to see you again, Lucas! You and Sean may have a lot in common, but you are MUCH cooler than he. Ssshhhh! Don’t let him know that I said that. He might tell mom. And you DON’T want to see Daisy when she gets mad. Believe me!
Eric Hamms last blog post..M2A! November Week2: 3 Months Without Sugar
I love Lucas. He’s one of those kids I would have loved to punch in the stomach at his age, but he’s also someone–like you said–who can say and see things I can’t because he’s yet to make the choices I have, and that makes me jealous. And if he says something silly, I know he’s just a kid, and he’s fake, so punching him in the stomach would do no good. Maybe you should introduce a fake bully….?
And I love the poetry. It’s a beautiful way to keep people reading until the finish, and I can’t help but think that if Shakespear were here he would be proud.
A writer and his own artist — how very cool.
hmmm - WriterArtistDad!
I can see book by a Sean, illustrated by Sean.
Mike Goads last blog post..Remembering
Miguel: That’s funny. If someone ever says that, you’ll have to take it as the highest compliment. That’s what Daisy told me to do.
Teena: He has another post scheduled in a week. Now go to bed!
Scott: From now on, I’m requesting that all comments flow with rhythm. Thanks for being ahead of the pack.
A Dad’s Life: Thanks, Art. And thanks for the offer as well. It is very kind.
Kool Aid: That’s a funny question. His name was originally Max McBright. This was about six of seven months ago, the first time I wrote with him in mind, and well before Writer Dad. He went into a drawer and when it was time to pass out fake names for my children, I gave my son Max. A few months later, when I was releasing the first MAX story as a wee-book, I needed a new name. I batted around all day until deciding on (and kind of hating) Lucas. I like it a LOT more than I did a couple of months ago, but I’m still not in love. I think of him as Max.
Sal: He has had a talking too, and promises to do much better.
Eric: You don’t have to whisper. I know Lucas is a lot cooler than me. That’s why I like to have him around.
Oktober Five: That’s the best description of Lucas yet, and a very kind compliment. I’ve never thought of myself as a big fan of poetry, but that’s just another one of those things you learn about yourself when you start writing. I love writing in rhythm. It is a tremendous amount of fun.
Mike: I can take no credit for the awesome drawing. It was 100% Dave.
You know, it’s funny - I knew he wasn’t a child from the start…not because he wasn’t believable (because I knew kids that well spoken when I taught, and I went to school with more than a few), but because he sounded rather like a younger, more chuffed aspect of you.
I think it’s cool that you are writing from different perspectives, different angles - I bet it keeps you from getting stale (ugh, stale writers…worse than stale bread, because at least with stale bread you can make french toast…)
I like the doodle - good job, Blogger Dad…now if only you could do that nicely with a baby gate, eh?
Shade and Sweetwater,
K
Kyddryns last blog post..Surprise Quilts
I think I had Lucas in one of my classes. He always had something cleaver to say and would ask the questions that are impossible to answer like “If infinity goes on forever is infinity plus one really a bigger number?”
I really dig the name Lucas Bright. Where is the book about this boy? His name for some reason reminds me of the brilliant book The Invention of Hugo Cabret. One of my favourite books ever.
stephs last blog post..Perspective
@Oktober
@Blogger Dad Home Run, man! You created the virtual Sean, posture and all. At least, that’s how he looks in my head, too.
Sean, I agree with Steph. WRITE IT. I would love to read Lucas’ musings to my little brainiacs. And see, *looks around* no meltdowns.
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..The Unseen Struggle
WD,
What Kyddryn said captures the same feeling I had. You must be using Lucas properly because I feel like it is you, but from another angle.
It is sort of like the scene from Dead Poet’s Society where the students are told to stand up on the desk and look at the world from a different point of view. I loved that scene and wish more people had seen it.
Every now and again, I will jump up on a chair, or stretch out on the floor next to the cat, or lie backwards facing down the stairs, or sit in the back seat of my car, etc. just to see things a bit differently. It is amazing what you notice when you move from your regular perspective. The world is often a brighter place when you adjust your lens.
Never stop writing. Be well.
Ians last blog post..What Has Eight Arms and Juggles?
@ Ian, changing perspective work wonders…I do it with my camera all the time, stretching up or lying down and shooting from another angle. One gets some fun and unique photos, memories, or stories when one looks a little differently at life.
Shade and Sweetwater,
K
Kyddryns last blog post..Veteran’s Day
Kyddryn: Thanks for noticing. I hope that Lucas is the first of many new voices. He is both honest and naive. I am too, but in far different ways.
Laurie: Did you enjoy having Lucas in your class, did you think he was a pill, or both?
Steph: I have never thought of writing Lucas (original name Max, then later taken by my own boy) in anything other than rhyme. Until now. That is a truly good idea Steph.
Jamie: I will give it serious consideration…. in fact, I’m going to go ahead and add it as #1,128 on the list. It does seem like a little chapter book that would write itself.
Ian: Lucas is really fun to write for, precisely because he sits in a different perspective, and because he spits instead of speaks. Of course he is me, but not really. He is definitely a keeper.
I pity those who simply didn’t get it - that Lucas is a fragment of your electric imagination; a voice big and bold inside your head that offers you the opportunity to speak (write) from a different point of view.
Even more so, I pity those who lack the opportunity to read your prose, your poetry and your gutsy use of language, dialect and mental meanderings! Three cheers for Lucas! I simply adore him!
Kimmelins last blog post..When You’re Told Your Child May Be Less Than Perfect
Lucas Bright! Stop playing with these adults this way!! (really, don’t stop…keep him coming…keep his perspective…)
Ah, Lucas - were you anything like him as a kid Sean?
Lances last blog post..Believe In Yourself
In my years as an educator, I’ve met many Lucas and at one point I too was one…
Nice!
Chriss last blog post..The Economy, The Environment, My Children
“So I’ll say it again, little Lucas is fake, but he gives me a different perspective to take.”
Lucas looks like a swell guy. President Herbert would love to get together with Lucas for a hot cup of coffee… oh wait: Lucas isn’t real.
Nevermind.
Lucas is cool. But he isn’t real?! That’s no fun.
I’m super happy the residents of the P.I. Universe are real.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..Halloweelection Roundup
Taking the perspective of a child is awesome. Children have unbelievable thoughts and ideas and they speak without disgression. I like your Lucas character. He speaks honestly like a child, but with the language and wisdom of an adult. Fiction is the best, even as a reader, because you get jump into anyone’s mind and escape and relate for the moment. Thanks Writer Dad!!
PS I wish this comments section had spell check..so excuse my poor spelling. I spell like a third grader.
Did you know a rapper named Lucas created an album in the 1990s called “Lucas with the Lid Off?”
That’s what I thought you were referencing. Hah!
Ari Herzogs last blog post..Social Media Advice: Connect and Empower
Kimmelin: “Even more so, I pity those who lack the opportunity to read your prose, your poetry and your gutsy use of language, dialect and mental meanderings!” Hopefully, we’ll be well on our way to correcting the misfortune soon. : > )
You are courageous for going the self publishing route. It’s a possibility I’m far from ruling out, but am a long ways from ready to tackle. Thanks for appreciating what I do. You and your other half are both awesome.
Lance: Was I anything like him? Yes, a little, but not entirely. I had his love of language, and his curiosity, but I didn’t have his confidence. I was a lot like him in class though. I can’t say I got on well with too many of my teachers.
Chris: Thanks, Chris. Daisy’s favorites were always the Lucas’s.
Bamboo: Lucas for treasurer! He lost the spot in student council by a single vote.
Karen: You are welcome Karen, and you spell just fine!
Ari: I did. It’s where I got the title, which is about a billion times better than the first one that I had, and am too embarrassed to repeat.
Yo, Writer Dad-
“Word.”
malathionmans last blog post..Thanks Dad
Hi WD, I just got an incredibly wacky result using CommentLuv, so I’m trying here to see if it was just a minor computer elf…
See it there
http://www.remarkable-communication.com/dumb-small-business-4/#comment-1269
I promise I don’t know a word of Polish but Bandera - and that’s because it means the same in Spanish -
Miguel de Luiss last blog post..Let your creativity flow
An interesting and alternative ego, I shall read on.
Denguys last blog post..Should I Assemble?
Hi Writer Dad - I find it amazing how (it appears) you can so easily write from the perspective of another person. It’s no wonder some thought Lucas was real.
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..NSNBOTWs - 2 Gals From Down Under
When I am zapping hrough the Internet and glance to a Comment on the wall that proclaims: “I love Lucas”, I pull over and stop for a closer look.
My sister, Colleen, once sent me a newspaper article from Portland, Oregon on Danny Lucas out there. It seems he saw Danny Lucas in the phone book and mailed him a Christmas card, signed Danny Lucas.
The following year, the same card was sent to the original Danny Lucas, signed by the new Danny Lucas.
The newspaper reported that TWELVE Danny Lucas’ were sending the same card to one another every year. Colleen wrote me and said: “Only a Danny Lucas could do something like this….Merry Christmas”.
I never sent Danny a card from the Eastern USA, but I did move to Portland for a while. There are indeed a significant quantity of Danny Lucas’ grouped out there in the “Oreegun”, “Orgun”, “Oruhgun” area. No one there can decide how to pronounce their state, but they do take pride in announcing your pronounciation is incorrect.
It gives me great pleasure to send Colleen a Christmas article that includes “I love Lucas” and “Lucas With The Lid Off” therein. She will agree with…….BOTH!
In the Indiana Jones series of movies, with Sean Connery shot in the stomach to induce Indiana to seek the elixer water that his dad must drink, or die, he encounters thousands of chalices of water to choose. One sip from any chalice but the saving water chalice, leads to death. Indiana grabs and sips and saves dad too. A guru appears and exclaims to Harrison Ford: “You have chosen wisely”.
I recall that scene as I read of Lucas in Writer Dad, and splendid comments on Lucas from everyone in this highly educated group, and I now proclaim, by authority granted in me as Danny Lucas (a real one) :
“Writer Dad, YOU have chosen wisely”.
I shall return.
Best regards,
Danny Lucas