How extraordinary. It might not have been created in anguish, though... Such taking of pains might have had therapeutic effect. Was the whole diary filled thus, or just these pages?
As if Jack Nicholson had discovered a new variety of DNA.
The terrible thing is, there must be many, many more of such things than ever get discovered. I think there's a tiny bit of TEPPRPAKA in many of us, but we have just about enough control to stop after a line or two.
I knew I'd left it somewhere. I had to bite the bullet and start a new one that February. Oh well, at least diaries were being discounted by that stage in the year.
A few pupils I've worked with over the years have done this kind of thing, compulsively, when presented with a pen and blank space. Sometimes numbers, other times a mix of letters and numbers or upper and lower case letters. Most, not all, were on the Autistic spectrum. Be reassured that they always looked calm and controlled as they did it. Much as I probably do when I draw hundreds of flowers when I doodle.
I second what Lucewoman says above. My daughter, who has autism, will copy out writing fairly well but if she didn't have anything to copy she sometimes produces stuff like that - though she's more likely to type it on the PC that to write it (generally in 42 point, with a coloured background, then print off 30 copies - printer cartridges don't live long round here).
The diary was found in a box of old books at work. I've no idea where it came from.
Lucy and David, I should have thought about the autistic angle. If that's the case, then I find the writing less distressing, but still very affecting.
It stops a few days later. There is no name.
How extraordinary. It might not have been created in anguish, though... Such taking of pains might have had therapeutic effect. Was the whole diary filled thus, or just these pages?
ReplyDelete(Sorry, didn't notice your subsequent comment, before leaving my question.)
ReplyDeleteMy fault. I shouldn't tamper with posts once they're up.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're right and that it did provide some solace.
As if Jack Nicholson had discovered a new variety of DNA.
ReplyDeleteThe terrible thing is, there must be many, many more of such things than ever get discovered. I think there's a tiny bit of TEPPRPAKA in many of us, but we have just about enough control to stop after a line or two.
I knew I'd left it somewhere. I had to bite the bullet and start a new one that February. Oh well, at least diaries were being discounted by that stage in the year.
ReplyDeleteBizarre, I hope it's not a message to an alien species. Or indeed, from...
ReplyDeleteExtraordinary.
ReplyDeleteDamn.
ReplyDeleteA few pupils I've worked with over the years have done this kind of thing, compulsively, when presented with a pen and blank space. Sometimes numbers, other times a mix of letters and numbers or upper and lower case letters.
ReplyDeleteMost, not all, were on the Autistic spectrum. Be reassured that they always looked calm and controlled as they did it. Much as I probably do when I draw hundreds of flowers when I doodle.
I second what Lucewoman says above. My daughter, who has autism, will copy out writing fairly well but if she didn't have anything to copy she sometimes produces stuff like that - though she's more likely to type it on the PC that to write it (generally in 42 point, with a coloured background, then print off 30 copies - printer cartridges don't live long round here).
ReplyDeleteStill writing lines from school...? Tragic.
ReplyDeleteMay I ask where did you find it? Is it from a person strange to you? No lack of discretion intended, sheer curiosity.
ReplyDeleteThe diary was found in a box of old books at work. I've no idea where it came from.
ReplyDeleteLucy and David, I should have thought about the autistic angle. If that's the case, then I find the writing less distressing, but still very affecting.