Barred Grid

Hello, and happy new year! 2025 has been, to put it as understatedly as I can, "a challenge." A few highs and some incredible lows. However, as always, I am trying, and hope to continue doing so.

Before 2025 ends I want to put this puzzle out there. This was rejected from a venue recently; privately I have been calling it "my manifesto." But I don't want to bring it into 2026 with me! Therefore it's here now. Below the puzzle is a short bit of text I wrote meant to explain my choices. Read it, or don't! Either way, if you solve the puzzle, I hope you enjoy it. Be safe! Take care! Keep your heart open!!

[.puz] [Direct Crosshare link]

Some words:

I really do see a lot of similarities when constructing a crossword and writing a song. A constructor and a songwriter are both looking for in-the-language words and phrases to build around; they also have the ability to make new ones. The choice of words can affect the overall mood. They are looking for ways to describe things; they have the option to be very personal, or not. I wanted to reflect this, and the best way I thought of was to have a puzzle where the across clues rhymed. I thought about trying to use the RHYMESCHEME for the whole puzzle, but I wanted to show the other side of it by having the down clues be personal and full of voice.

Bonus Paprika:

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