Almost.
It’s a big word for me.
I feel it everywhere.
Almost home.
Almost happy.
Almost changed.
Almost, but not quite.
Not yet.
Soon, maybe.
~ Joan Bauer, “Almost Home”
Joan Bauer, 62, is an award-winning author of young adult literature. Before publishing her first book, Bauer worked for the Chicago Tribune, McGraw Hill books and WLS Radio.
“I had moved from journalism to screenwriting when one of the biggest challenges of my life occurred. I was in a serious auto accident which injured my neck and back severely and required neurosurgery. It was a long road back to wholeness, but during that time I wrote Squashed, my first young adult novel. The humor in that story kept me going. Over the years, I have come to understand how deeply I need to laugh. It’s like oxygen to me. My best times as a writer are when I’m working on a book and laughing while I’m writing. Then I know I’ve got something.”
Quote Source: sleepwalking.nu. Image Source and Bio: Amazon and Wiki.
almost is an abstract, unattainable really,as there will always be another almost, once one is changed into ‘i’m there,’ and it goes on into infinity. only this moment, in whatever it is, is real.
i love the picture, the sweater – well worn and comfortable and the puppy another source of comfort and love. and her quote, especially about her best times as a writer. i must say i agree.
Almost seemingly never arrives, does it…And there is why it is such a big word. Yes, what a marvelous selection for a book cover.
Thank you for this beautiful poet/author, I loved this poem… Almost home… And beautiful so beautiful photograph. Have a nice day dear David, love, nia
Yes it is Nia. I was touched in the same way.
“Almost” – the word I use to hedge my bets. “Almost” there, “almost” done. And upon further thought, I would rather not be betting and just be happy where I am.
There you go…
is almost like maybe–my kids hate it when I use maybe–but I don’t want them to be disappointed if I cannot come through
So you straddle…they catch on after a few of those, no?
maybe…………..
🙂
“I have come to understand how deeply I need to laugh. It’s like oxygen to me.” This is such a wise statement, I believe. And as for the word “Almost”…well, it keeps hope alive, doesn’t it? I imagine that is a wonderful book.
Yes, her words were moving. More so then my “almost” excerpt.
“Almost” is full of hope, or terrible disappointment. What a powerful word.
It is. A LARGE word. Never thought of it that way unless reading this passage. Stopped me in my tracks.
It certainly is a “feeling” word… Almost….can’t you feel what is to come?
(or) is “hope” a strategy?
Almost is hopeful and also disappointing. The picture of someone in the military coming home.
Yes…Carolann, well put.
I like this post, and all the ones around it. I almost Liked them all, but took this shortcut!
Smiling. Good! Thank you.
Beautiful photograph. Nice poem.
They are, thank you Indira