The barn seems to represent safety and naivete upon first glance, but maybe it's more about idealizing one's youth. Ambiguity makes it interesting, like something we'd discuss in literature class, maybe. Wistful.
I’m glad you enjoyed it! That means a lot. I tend to shy away from giving my opinions on my own stuff because I think people will see it as “the answer” when, in fact, their answers are just as valid. And as in Most pieces, there are unanswered questions -- why did Bob go through door X despite all warnings ?-- that I don’t think I have to answer even when pressed to do so. I think that’s what makes reading fun -- precisely the ambiguity you mention. I had fun writing it. Thank you again !!
I love the unanswered questions and ambiguity. Every now and then, it's nice to clobber a reader, but it's also really cool to be a little more nebulous. People can find their own meaning in art.
This piece reminds me of the depressing story of The Giving Tree. But this wasn’t depressing at all, I love how the barn physically stays the same but his own perception really develops. At the end of the day- it’s just a barn. Great read, Ben.
Mark, thank you so much for reading and for your kind comments. I think you're right on about The Giving Tree, the meaning of which evolved for me over time until I came to the same conclusion as you -- sad, depressing, full of both selflessness and selfishness. I didn't want the barn to "give" him anything tangible except the box at the end where he could carry his memories. Just a place to dream, kiss, and to have a place to store his worst memories of the war. I really enjoyed writing it. Thank you so much for your encouragement. I'm really glad you enjoyed it. That means a great deal to me.
The barn seems to represent safety and naivete upon first glance, but maybe it's more about idealizing one's youth. Ambiguity makes it interesting, like something we'd discuss in literature class, maybe. Wistful.
I’m glad you enjoyed it! That means a lot. I tend to shy away from giving my opinions on my own stuff because I think people will see it as “the answer” when, in fact, their answers are just as valid. And as in Most pieces, there are unanswered questions -- why did Bob go through door X despite all warnings ?-- that I don’t think I have to answer even when pressed to do so. I think that’s what makes reading fun -- precisely the ambiguity you mention. I had fun writing it. Thank you again !!
I love the unanswered questions and ambiguity. Every now and then, it's nice to clobber a reader, but it's also really cool to be a little more nebulous. People can find their own meaning in art.
This piece reminds me of the depressing story of The Giving Tree. But this wasn’t depressing at all, I love how the barn physically stays the same but his own perception really develops. At the end of the day- it’s just a barn. Great read, Ben.
Mark, thank you so much for reading and for your kind comments. I think you're right on about The Giving Tree, the meaning of which evolved for me over time until I came to the same conclusion as you -- sad, depressing, full of both selflessness and selfishness. I didn't want the barn to "give" him anything tangible except the box at the end where he could carry his memories. Just a place to dream, kiss, and to have a place to store his worst memories of the war. I really enjoyed writing it. Thank you so much for your encouragement. I'm really glad you enjoyed it. That means a great deal to me.