This "Incurable Disease"

What’s the use of trying

if no one ever reads.

The problem’s underlying,

an incurable disease.

These words that heal can also hurt

and kill us in degrees

For every point, a counterpoint…

for every line, a critic;
the lack of response disappoints

and often feels acidic.

Perhaps the stories that I’ve shared

were better left unsaid,

Yet I can say at least I’ve dared

to share what’s in my head.

To all my fellow writers,

all those I have not met–

aspirant hitchhikers

and fellow dissidents:

I gave up so long ago

on catching your attention..

we travel on this path alone

and friendship’s an invention.

Please note that I understand

you’ve better things to do…

truth be told, I do not care:

  I do not write for you.

© Ginny Brannan 2026

"You write to communicate to the hearts and minds of others what's burning inside you, and we edit to let the fire show through the smoke."

- Arthur Plotnik

"I write to give myself strength. I write to be the characters that I am not. I write to explore all the things I’m afraid of."

- Joss Whedon

“Writing isn’t about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid, or making friends. In the end, it’s about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well. It’s about getting up, getting well, and getting over. Getting happy, okay? Getting happy”  —Stephen King “On Writing”