Work is Good: The Voice of Reason and Resentment
on April 1st, 2011
My desk is full of flowers, not files.
A few years ago, I had the great privilege to work with J Michael Straczynski on a series called The Book of Lost Souls. Issue 3 was a particularly compelling installment.
A young girl, haunted by her dead lover, lives on the street and dreams of a life as an artist. She’s haunted by a voice: a voice Jonathan describes as “The Voice of Reason and Resentment.”
The voice of madness is the voice that says, “Someday people will listen to me.”
It is the voice of madness that says, “I will make little black marks on pieces of paper, and those marks may one day change the world.”
It is the voice of madness that whispers to us in the midnight silence. “I am not what you see. I have dreams, and though I have nothing tonight, tomorrow I will escape this place.”
The voice of madness is the voice that believes, despite all evidence to the contrary, that sustains us when logic demands we surrender to the louder voice – the Voice of Reason and Resentment. And it always comes in the guise of those who love us most, who only want the best for us. And the knives come softly, oh, so softly…”I’m just trying to protect you…”
Listen to your voice of truth. It only sounds mad to people who can’t hear their voice.
Have some more flowers.
I *so* wish that series had continued! But I’m also very glad that I own the art for the page that you just quoted.
As JMS has also said: “Never surrender dreams”.
“I only want to protect you!”
Without asking me whether I want to be protected?
“I don’t like seeing you hurt and suffering!”
So you don’t like the human condition? Everyone suffers hurt. Everyone has to endure it. Besides, what do your ‘wants’ and ‘likes’ have to do with my chosen profession?
“Now you are just being selfish in insisting on sticking with this ‘art’ stuff!”
Oh really? And the hours and money you spend on rebuilding cars? The hours and money you spend playing golf, or tennis, or skiing? The hours and money you spend on your vanity? These are not selfish? Be reasonable.
“But you won’t make much money!”
No kidding. And you think that is the most important thing in existence? Now, go away, I’ve got some work to do here.
“You weren’t doing anything! You were just sitting here staring out the window.”
Actually, I was on the other side of the galaxy, trying to figure out the architecture of a culture that uses crystals for all sorts of tools. Now, go away please.”
Hahahah. Book of Lost Souls Volume 1. Does that mean it only has half of the comics?
Speaking of which, if I click on that link up there and buy one from Amazon, do you get a commission, just to be sure?
How very kind of you to ask.
Yes, I get a 5% commission. On many of these books, authors don’t earn a royalty, so the Amazon button is a great way to support the author.
Right. This one I’ll buy. (As with all of us, I cannot just buy everything I want)