Excellent question; ‘Why do I write.”
My answer surprised even me: "I am here because I am a middle child I will now longer be quiet - tonight I will speak up." (I am in fact a middle child three times over; 4th that of 7, 3rd of four and 2nd of three and so it was definitely time to speak up.) And I did.
Back earlier in this 22nd century I was attending my first ever evening reading session at the Blue Parrot in Cambridge, MA. I was there to read a 7 minute segment of my new play ‘Colonial Billy McShane’
The question was asked ‘Why are you here?”. Evidently they were asking me (and others) what we/ they would be sharing that evening. I took the question to mean ‘Why’ not ‘What’, I took it as an Existential Question.
My answer surprised even me: “I am here because I am a middle child I will now longer be quiet – tonight I will speak up.” (I am in fact a middle child three times over; 4th that of 7, 3rd of four and 2nd of three and so it was definitely time to speak up.) And I did.
So – thanks for asking, again.
Kevin Driscoll(Mostly) Vegetarian, Politically Progressive, Daily Runner, Spiritual, Helpful, Friendly, Kind, Warm Hearted and Forgiving. Resident of Braintree MA.
I love this perspective!
Keep writing, sharing and speaking up!
I’m glad this previously ignored middle child now has a forum, Kevin!
I wish I had been there. The Blue Parrot is such an iconic spot. And I would have loved hearing your existential response.
Hmmm…as the eldest of two, the travails of being the middle child are hard for me to understand. Although my brother has told me of his frustrations in being shaded by my “good kid” shtick for many years. He was the musical genius wild child who got no respect.