Vocal Deep Cuts 2

Following the success of my first edition of Vocal Deep Cuts, published last week, I wanted to make good on my promise and bring a fresh batch of curated work from another selection of Vocal creators.

In line with all the wonderful things happening on Vocal right now, including the awesome launch of the 2023 Vocal Writing Awards, which you can find out more about here:

I wanted to help by doing something different.

As explained in the first edition, there are a lot of great pieces of work that do not get the reads, likes, and love, in general, they perhaps deserve. This is not anyone's fault. Top Stories tend to generate more reads and likes, and even if you have never been awarded a Top Story, some of your pieces will have more attention than others.

I know it's something I've noticed with my work. So, I wanted to try to change that. The deep cuts analogy is based on the idea that just like albums contain songs that are not singles and don't get as much airplay, Vocal creators' bodies of work include some pieces that need more exposure.

That's where this list comes in.

I hope you enjoy the pieces I've selected this week because I enjoyed finding some forgotten and slept-on classics.

One of My Own

I have included one of my own, as I did last week:

Elemental Bliss

This was for the Quadru-Haiku Challenge, where you could write a single haiku or four-in-one, all about the four elements. This was one of my attempts at a four-in-one. I was very proud of it back then, but it just never seemed to generate the same interest as some of my other entries for that challenge.

On the Impact of Birth Trauma by Donna Renee

I have loved Donna Renee's work since I read her beautiful tautogram (published way before the Tautogram Challenge, I might add) called Senescence. She is very creative and has a great sense of humour in her writing at times (As showcased by her horrible but clever and hilarious takedown of my beloved marshmallows)

She also always puts a lot of herself into her writing which shows and has not shied away from tackling heavier subjects with sensitivity and elegance. This piece really stuck out to me when I was researching for this collection because it's a haiku of 14 words that speaks volumes in terms of emotion and is very personal to Donna. This brought a tear to my eye and a lump in my throat.

Author's note: Donna told me after this was published, that it is Birth Trauma Awareness Week 2023 in various places this week. So, nice timing, though I will not take any credit for that, as it was just a fluky thing!

Fade Into Blue by Heather Hubler

I have long been a fan of Heather's writing since I joined Vocal. She has also done a lot of hard work to promote other people's work through her interview series. Another extremely versatile writer, and a self-confessed nerd, she puts a lot of creativity and emotion into her writing.

I remember being wowed by this simple haiku with only three words - that's right, three words and how it told a simple and heartbreaking story.

Is a home a thing remembered? by Ava Mack

Ava Mack is a writer of some astonishing poetry and fiction pieces I have only read a few pieces by - but all were stunning. When researching for this article, this piece really stood out to me. I love how it has been worded and formatted and leaves you thinking about the subject for a long time after you finish reading it.

An Ode to a Spatchcocked Chicken by Dana Crandell

Dana has an amazing collection of work on Vocal, many featuring his sublime photography. Whether he's writing about an anecdote from his own life, a compelling piece of fiction or a masterful spot of poetry, you're always in for a treat. I picked this out because of the story about his daughter behind the poem and because the poem showcases his great sense of humour. I dare you not to read it in the voice of Vincent Price, as directed! It doesn't hurt that Dana is very warm, friendly and supportive.

Breaking Point by HandsomelouiiThePoet (Lonzo Ward)

If you have never read a Lonzo Ward piece of poetry, what have you been doing with your life? I kid, I kid, but Lonzo is a warm and very supportive individual who happens to be a rather stunning poet. This is another fine example of his talents, and needs more exposure. So enjoy!

Together for Eternity by RM Stockton

This was an entry by RM Stockton into the recent Epistolary Challenge, where you had to write a poem as a letter. I was surprised that I missed this beautiful piece. Rob always puts a lot of emotional depth into his work, and this highlights that perfectly. This was a very moving piece. He is always very supportive of other creators.

Ugly Things by Sara Wilson

I am not even sure how I came across Sara Wilson and her imaginative work, though I feel it may have been through the Raise Your Voice thread, but I am glad I did. This was the first poem I ever read by her, and it still stands out as one of my favourites by her or anyone on Vocal. I always see Sara as being something of a champion for the underdog, and this poem is a great example of that.

the end for good people by jenny blue

Another exceptional writer who I think I came across through the Raise Your Voice thread is jenny blue. I could wax lyrical about how her abstract and surreal yet deep and powerful pieces, coupled with some astounding artwork, are some of the best work I've read on Vocal, or I could just tell you to check this under-appreciated poem. It is a great example of jenny's unique voice - one need!

The Pain You Can't Get Rid Of by Cathy Holmes

Cathy is a superstar - genuinely funny, clever and often can turn ordinary and mundane into something stunning. Whether you're reading her fiction pieces or our amazing poetry, you know you will laugh, cry or even both in the same piece. At the very least, you will feel something. I had to do quite a deep dive into her work, which was a lot of fun! I found this poem which drew me in and was incredibly emotive. It only has a few comments and not as many likes as it really deserves, in my humble opinion.

I hope you enjoyed this dive into some of my favourite deep cuts on Vocal, and look out next week for another collection by completely different creators.

*

You can also check out last week's Vocal Deep Cuts here: