I was doing well enough until you came along and kicked my stone over, and out I came, all moss and eyes

I was doing well enough until you came along and kicked my stone over, and out I came, all moss and eyes

Djuna Barnes, a pioneering writer and artist of the early 20th century, was known for her unique and experimental style of writing. Her work often delved into themes of gender, sexuality, and the complexities of human relationships. One of her most famous works, "Nightwood," is a prime example of her ability to capture the raw emotions and inner turmoil of her characters.

The quote "I was doing well enough until you came along and kicked my stone over, and out I came, all moss and eyes" perfectly encapsulates the essence of Barnes' writing. It speaks to the idea of disruption and upheaval, of being forced to confront one's true self in the face of external forces. In Barnes' world, nothing is as it seems, and the surface is often just a facade for the deeper, more complex truths that lie beneath.

The image of being kicked over and revealing oneself as "all moss and eyes" is a powerful one. It suggests a sense of vulnerability and exposure, of being stripped bare and laid bare for all to see. In Barnes' work, characters are often forced to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and their relationships, and this quote captures that sense of raw honesty and introspection.

Barnes herself was a complex and enigmatic figure, known for her unconventional lifestyle and relationships. She was openly bisexual at a time when such identities were not widely accepted, and her work often explored themes of gender and sexuality in a way that was ahead of its time.