Susie Paine - Selected Writings

I write because I must,

because words are pulled out of me,

like a splinter from a hand,

or a hook from a fish’s mouth.

 

I write because I can,

because I want to remake the world

in my own image.

I want to be God.

 

I write because I want to,

because my mind has too much;

I want to clear out the clutter;

let it all go.

 

I write because I need to,

because the words are pressure

on my throat, crushing me,

stealing the air.

 

I write because I have to,

because I need good grades

the way an eagle needs to fly,

the way a wolf needs to run.

 

I write because I know how,

because the universe conspired

to give me words,

that I might use them.

 

I write because I don’t know how,

because I don’t want to,

because I cannot,

because I am not able.