Vox Populi
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Arlene Weiner: Another Art
The art of losing isn’t hard to master –Elizabeth Bishop
The art of tossing is another thing. I’m trying, really trying, to get clear. So many objects seem to want to cling: this antique toy that has a little ding, the Pinewood Derby trophy—both so dear, the art of tossing is another thing. Put it on eBay, ka-ching, ka-ching— keep nothing but the things that give you cheer. But so many objects seem to want to cling I’m very much afraid I’m weakening. It’s Fear of Missing Out, yes, fear makes art of tossing yet another thing. Here are some unread books—how can I fling them out? Here, wedding gifts adhere so! Many objects seem to want to cling. At least I don’t save ticket stubs or string! I’ll just look at these photos, have a beer— and as for tossing—not another thing! Too many objects seem to want to cling.
Copyright 2022 Arlene Weiner
Arlene Weiner’s books include More (Ragged Sky, 2022). She lives in Pittsburgh.
Vox Populi 
True. *sigh*
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Arlene’s wit & penchant for satire aligns with formal mastery of the Villanelle, taking on the famous one she quotes from as her epigraph. Craftily, artfully done, indeed! Best for me is the animated, creepy objects: “They want to cling.” Don’t sell the movie rights unless John Williams is on-board for the score.
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Well-said, Mike.
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fabulous play!
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Isn’t it, though?
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Seems to me, it is the attached memories that we value, or obsess over, which we fear losing if the object is loss or tossed.
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Good point, Leo. I’ll have to think about what we are grieving when we lose or dispose of an object.
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Arlene captures the experience of evaluation of one’s accumulation perfectly!
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Well-said, Ruth!
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