Proud ViM,'Top Notes'

It's that Thursday time peeps! Without the usual pre-amble, we'll get straight to it! This weeks, 'Top Notes' from ViM across Vocal.

For the purposes of fairness and such, we try not to feature a writer twice in a row but this offering was too tantalising to miss the opportunity of a consecutive share:

Sleepy Drafts

Please Remove Me

We agree wholeheartedly! Strike us of your list too please!

In a digital age where authenticity and genuine interaction are becoming increasingly elusive, this piece highlights the infiltration of bots and scripted behaviors that are fundmentally undermining real engagement and creativity. Offering the potential of a rant this piece is much more than that.. An essential read for anyone navigating the intricacies of the digital web and becoming increasingly disheartened by the dishonesty of the ever growing, dishonest, 'some'.

Sleepy Drafts not only highlights a significant issue but also encorages us to converse on the future of online communities and the place of AI within them. By blending personal anecdotes with broader societal implications, they invite us to reflect on our online behaviour and the digital legacy we wish to create.

For an added extra, take a Judey Kalchik's excellent resource (s) on spotting the AI:

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L.C. Schäfer

My Heavy Heart

A deeply emotive offering from LC, this narrative explores the necessity of embracing our emotional experiences wholeheartedly and in the moment as part of our human experience. We are after all a spectrum of our feelings. A resonant read for anyone who has ever made like an ostrich and attempted to bury their head in the sand hoping to avoid the inevitability of the consequences of inaction. Ultimately, this piece implores us to confront our feelings head on if we are to live a more authentic, satisfying life.

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Hannah Moore

Her Name is Star

Beautifully crafted, this heartfelt letter captures the profound and transformative journey of a parent whose greatest source of inspiration comes not from renowned figures or historical icons, but from her own daughter. A heartwarming testament to the transformative power of love and the special bond between mother and child. A truly intimate glimpse into a mother's heart, particularly poignant as the Star of the title navigates her life with autism with resilience, courage and determination. A must read for all and every heavy heart seeking a little joy in these dark February days.

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Natasja Rose

I’m Panromantic Asexual

An invaluable resource for those seeking to understand the breadth and depth of the LGBTQIA+ community. It challenges stereotypes, confronts biases, and invites us to embrace a more inclusive and complex perspective on identity. By blending educational content with personal reflection, Natajsa not only informs but also inspires empathy and understanding, making it a compelling read for anyone looking to broaden their understanding of the diversity of human identity and their own place within it.

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Lamar Wiggins

Smoke and Mirrors.

This clever little trick of a poem plunges us full throttle into the psychological complexities of negative influence and manipulation. Stark and raw and injected with some truly wonderful figurative lines, Lamar brings to the fore the subtleties of the manipulator and their use of language in attempting to control others. A thought provoking read that encourages us to reject passive victimhood in favour of an active role in shaping our destiny, despite the challenges posed by the intentions of manipulative forces. A must read for anyone who has ever fallen foul to the ploys of the exploiter.

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Kelsey Clarey

When There Is No Path To Tread

A gentle narrative, set against the backdrop of a snow-covered landscape, we experience the comfort of solitude and peace. As nature resets, this piece offers a sactum in the joy of exploration without a specified destination. A moment to leave everything behind, we cannot help but be compelled to cherish the silent moments and take a pause to appreciate the world in its natural beauty. A delightful must read for all of us caught in the chaos of life – a much-needed reminder to just breathe.

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Final thoughts

This week, as with others, each author, offers up a unique perspective and encourages us to think about ourselves and our place in the world. That is foe all intents and purposes the deep pull of creating - to make people feel, to think and ultimtely to share.

Robert Frost sums it up best:

"No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise for the writer, no surprise for the reader."

Emotional connection and authenticity are at the heart of the writing process and we hope that somewhere amongst our collection this week, you find words that resonate and speak to your own heart.

ℭ𝔢𝔩𝔦𝔞 𝔘𝔫𝔡𝔢𝔯𝔩𝔞𝔫𝔡

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You can join in the Shenanigans here on Facebook ViM:

and Queer Vocal Voices here:

Note: Queer Vocal Voices is only accepting members of the LGBTQ+ community at the moment, we will open up to allies in time!

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