Writing, which was both painful and palliative for me, turned out to be my own way of giving blood in a crisis. I can only hope this unit of words will have a longer shelf life than the forty-two days of a unit of blood, as this critical time blends seamlessly into the next one.
In her work "Small Wonder," Barbara Kingsolver reflects on the dual nature of writing as both a difficult yet healing process. She expresses that writing serves as a personal outlet during times of crisis, akin to a form of blood donation, where words can have a significant impact. This metaphor emphasizes the importance of expression during challenging periods.
Kingsolver hopes that her written words will endure far longer than the temporary life of a blood donation. She conveys a sense of urgency regarding the relevance of these reflections, as personal and societal crises often overlap and extend over time. The act of writing becomes a means of coping and connecting, with the desire for it to resonate well beyond its original context.
