Polio Flesh...
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Format: Paperback
Publisher: Illiterati Press
ISBN: ???
Out of Print
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Here's an excerpt called "5-11-85" by Henry Rollins, from POLIO FLESH, page 34:
"I have learned to question smiling faces. I don't trust
smiling faces anymore. When someone smiles and reaches out
to shake my hand, I try to guess what they want from me and
when they will try to sink the knife in.... When someone
gives away something, they want something in return, somehow,
someway. This is a game that gets played on many levels.
Don't take candy from strangers unless you're willing to
take a ride in the car."
I give my writing to lots of people. Do I expect something in return?
The more I think about it, the more I realize I do. I expect complements,
friendship, and constructive criticism. I expect people to tell me I'm a great
writer and that I'm real cool. I expect people to print my stuff and help me
achieve fame and fortune. I expect it. And shit, when I got the chance to
talk to Henry for a few minutes at the Providence gig, I was one of those
smiling faces, shaking his hand a couple of times, telling him about all the
free goodies I just mailed him.
I don't know if this is what he had in mind when he wrote it, and I don't
know if there is anything wrong in wanting recognition and attention - it's
only human. But still, I feel kinda funny right now, I feel low.
Webmasters Notes: Cover art from personal collection.
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