— seniors speak out — seniors speak outBob has been walking about in my head for much longer than he ever took form on paper. He never really had a name, mind you; he was a faceless feeling in my gut—my muse. Then one day a few years back or maybe longer he took to knocking on my brain and finally spilled forth from my head onto paper. Mind you, when I first started writing, I had no idea who he was or what his name was. Gradually though, he has evolved to the figurine that sits on my desk, taunting when necessary and praising should I chance to do something good. His name may be simple—a generic tag but nothing could completely convey the meaning he personally has for me. He not only plays around in the playground of my mind but has form and can romp in the infinite possibilities of my hands.
He is much more than a muse at times though; he is a confidante and a friend. When this world becomes too much and reality suffocates me pressing in around me, Bob is there. Whether he is whispering stories in my ears or jumping from digit to digit playing in ink and paper, he is there to soothe and comfort and calm. Creating writing is not only an expression of the inner desires but an escape from the harshness of the real world with which I do not quite blend. I hold the power to create and destroy in my hands with him as my guide. I have the control I crave when the rest of my life spirals out of check.
So with the ever-present voice whispering in my ear, I went to the Seven Hills Review. We may view ourselves as elitist-the best chosen to pick the best but Bob smacks me back down. I would never really tell any of my fellow board members this; I might get kicked off for listening to the voices in my head. Or maybe not—coming from me that just might seem normal. Yet for all their laughing at me, in being on the SHR board I found a place where I was, scarily, somewhat normal. With Bob whispering suggestions in my ear, I found not only another place to create but some friends who like to create along with me and a really funky lady who likes to laugh at us while we do it. We’re not better writers than the rest of the population despite what we think, only privileged enough to get to read what the other Bob’s of the world have been inspiring. It has been a privilege and an honor to work on this board not only for the friends I have made but the wonderful pieces I have read. At this point, Bob would also like me to add that reading everyone else’s masterpieces has motivated me to write better.
So as I go off to college next year, Bob will be coming with me-nestled between the Bermuda shorts and red hat this gnome abandoned last year. I may not get another chance to convince an airline to let me ride in the overhead compartment or laugh at certain board members as they tape their shoes back together during a meeting, but I’ll always have Bob to remind me to keep my feet on the ground and my head in the clouds. I had a great time on the board and I encourage everyone to keep writing because I know I’ll be check up to read all the new stuff to Bob next year!
