"How To Write With Style" by Kurt Vonnegut

"Newspaper reporters and technical writers are trained to reveal almost nothing about themselves in their writings. This makes them freaks in the world of writers, since almost all of the other ink-stained wretches in that world reveal a lot about themselves to readers. We call these revelations, accidental and intentional, elements of style.

These revelations tell us as readers what sort of person it is with whom we are spending time. Does the writer sound ignorant or informed, stupid or bright, crooked or honest, humorless or playful-- ? And on and on.

Why should you examine your writing style with the idea of improving it? Do so as a mark of respect for your readers, whatever you're writing. If you scribble your thoughts any which way, your readers will surely feel that you care nothing about them. They will mark you down as an egomaniac or a chowderhead --- or, worse, they will stop reading you."

For the rest of this essay, go here.

"confession"

I would trade my white for your red.
My distance for your bed.
A kiss where e'er you've bled.
And I am yours, forever.

You hold me in your sphere.
I cannot flee from here,
from all that I hold dear:
And I am yours, forever.

Move closer in the cold
and fear not growing old,
our dreams, for time, are sold.
And I am yours, forever.

There is room for pain
that cuts against the grain,
but love, it shall remain,
and I am yours, forever.

I cannot promise fate
will open every gate,
and if I must, I'll wait.
For I am yours, forever.

-William F. DeVault (2004)