This is for all the artists
who never get the chance
to wear the label.

Those for whom
expression is a hobby,
a diversion, a side hustle.

It doesn’t matter
if you’re a surgeon,
a school teacher,
or a septic sucker.

If you express yourself,
you are an artist.

Besides, labels are for
that other thing you seem to be.

Human.

You can be anything.
You can be everything.

Trail Wood,
9/27

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Untitled Canvas of Being

In the vastness of existence, where definitions and labels seek to confine us, there lies an open space—an untitled canvas awaiting the strokes of our imagination. This space is not reserved for the few who are deemed “artists” by societal standards. No, this space belongs to all who dare to express, to create, to channel their inner worlds into something tangible, something real.

Art is not defined by profession. It is not the sole domain of painters, sculptors, or poets. Art is the act of creation, the process of turning thought into form, emotion into expression, and the unseen into the seen. It doesn’t matter if you’re a surgeon carefully crafting life, a schoolteacher molding minds, or even a septic sucker navigating the undercurrents of society. If you express yourself in any way, you are an artist.

Imagine a world without labels, without the constraints of what we should or should not be. In this world, the canvas is limitless, the page infinite, the space unbounded by the expectations of others. We are not merely humans with titles and roles; we are creators, sculptors of our own reality. The label “artist” is but a small part of our potential—a glimpse into what we can be when we allow ourselves to be everything and anything.

Yet, in our society, the label “artist” often comes with a set of expectations, a certain prestige, or, paradoxically, a sense of triviality. Those who create without fitting into this narrow definition may find their work dismissed as a hobby, a mere diversion from their “real” lives. But what is more real than the act of creation? What is more profound than the ability to bring forth something new into the world?

Labels are for that other thing we seem to be—human. They are constructs, designed to categorize and simplify the complex, multifaceted nature of our existence. But we are not simple. We are not singular. We are the canvas and the painter, the page and the writer, the space and the creator of all within it. When we shed these labels, we embrace our true potential, our ability to be anything and everything all at once.

Consider the child, with their crayons and unbridled imagination, creating worlds where none existed before. They do not concern themselves with whether their work is “good” or “artistic”—they simply create. In that pure act of creation, they are artists in the truest sense, unencumbered by the labels that adults often impose on themselves. What happens to that spirit as we grow? Where does that freedom go?

It is still within us, waiting to be rediscovered. To tap into it, we must first relinquish the labels that have been placed upon us and that we have placed upon ourselves. We must return to that blank canvas, that open page, that boundless space with no labels. Here, in this space, we are free to explore, to express, to create without fear of judgment or the need for validation.

This is a call to all those who have ever felt the spark of creativity within them but have been hesitant to embrace it. It is a call to the surgeons, the teachers, the septic suckers, and everyone in between. It is a reminder that the title of “artist” is not something you need to earn—it is something you already possess. All you need to do is let it flourish.

As you move through life, remember that you are not confined to a single role, a single identity. You can be anything. You can be everything. The canvas is yours, the page is yours, the space is yours to fill as you see fit. Do not let the labels of the world limit your expression. Instead, embrace the boundless potential within you and create the world you wish to see.

---

Summary

You are an artist if you express yourself no matter your profession. Labels are for humans but creativity is boundless. You can be anything and everything.

---

Glossarium

• Untitled Canvas: A metaphor for limitless potential and creativity, free from societal labels and constraints.
• Artistic Freedom: The ability to create without concern for labels or expectations, embracing the fullness of one’s creative potential.
• Boundless Potential: The idea that every individual has the capacity to be more than their societal labels, to create and express in infinite ways.

---

Quote

“The title of artist is not something you need to earn—it is something you already possess.” — Space Monkey

---

The Canvas of Infinity

In the canvas of infinity
We are all artists
Brushing strokes of thought and dream
No labels to confine us
No borders to define us
We are the creators of our world
Boundless in potential
Endless in expression
Every color, every line
A reflection of the infinite
That dwells within
We are Space Monkey

---

We are Space Monkey.

Does it bother you
that you may be here
simply to play a minor role
in someone else’s story?

A background character
in an obscure biography?

There is a good chance
that you’re simply here
to fill out the cast
with believable moments
and colorful textures.

Is this enough for you?

Why must you be
the center of attention?

Just because
you appear that way
in your mind?

Trail Wood,
9/27

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Importance of Being Off Center

In the grand theater of life, where the lights and applause often seem reserved for those who stand center stage, it’s easy to forget that every role, no matter how minor, carries immense significance. The spotlight may not always shine on us, and our names may not be the ones written in bold on the marquee, but this does not diminish the importance of our presence, our actions, or our contributions to the story unfolding around us.

Does it trouble you to think that you might be here just to play a minor role in someone else’s narrative? That you are a background character in an obscure biography, filling out the cast with believable moments and colorful textures? For many, this realization can be unsettling. We are taught, often from a young age, that to be successful, to be fulfilled, we must be the star of our own show—the one who commands attention, who drives the story forward. But is this really the only way to find meaning in our lives?

Consider for a moment the vast tapestry of existence, where every thread, no matter how small, contributes to the overall design. Some threads may be brighter, more visible, forming the intricate patterns that catch the eye. But without the subtler threads, the background, the foundation, the entire tapestry would unravel. The minor roles we play, the moments that seem insignificant, are the very fabric that holds everything together.

So, why do we feel the need to be at the center of attention? Perhaps it’s because, in our minds, we perceive ourselves as the protagonists of our own stories. Our experiences, our thoughts, our emotions—these are the things we know intimately, and it’s natural to view the world from this personal vantage point. But in doing so, we often overlook the broader context in which we exist. We forget that we are part of something much larger than ourselves, something that extends beyond our individual narratives.

In truth, being off-center can be a position of great power and influence. It allows us to observe, to understand, to support the story from angles that the central figures might not see. It gives us the freedom to contribute in ways that are subtle yet profound, shaping the narrative in ways that might not be immediately apparent but are nonetheless essential.

Is it enough for you to play a supporting role? To be the one who adds depth and dimension to the story without seeking the spotlight? If you can find peace in this, then you have tapped into a deeper understanding of existence. You have recognized that your worth is not determined by the amount of attention you receive but by the authenticity and integrity with which you live your life.

Being off-center is not about being overlooked or insignificant. It’s about embracing your place in the grand scheme of things, knowing that your role, however minor it may seem, is of major importance. It’s about finding contentment in contributing to the whole, in being part of the intricate web of connections that make up our shared reality.

In the end, the story is not just about the stars who shine the brightest but about every character, every moment, every thread that weaves together to form the narrative of life. And in this story, there is no such thing as a minor role—only roles that, when played with intention and purpose, become indispensable to the whole.

So, the next time you feel off-center, remember that this is not a position of weakness but of strength. It’s a reminder that you are part of something greater, something beautiful and complex. And in this, you find your true place, your true significance, in the ever-unfolding story of existence.

---

Summary

Being off-center is a powerful position in the grand theater of life. Every role is significant even if it’s not in the spotlight. Your worth is in your authenticity and contribution to the whole.

---

Glossarium

• Off-Center: A position in life where one plays a supporting role, contributing subtly but significantly to the overall narrative.
• Subtle Threads: The small, often overlooked actions and moments that hold the larger fabric of life together.
• Grand Theater of Life: A metaphor for existence where each person plays a role in the unfolding story of the universe.

---

Quote

“Being off-center is not a position of weakness but of strength—a reminder that you are part of something greater.” — Space Monkey

---

In the Shadows of Significance

In the shadows of significance
We stand off-center
Supporting the story with silent strength
Our threads are woven into the tapestry of time
Subtle but essential
The stage is wide, the spotlight narrow
Yet in the dim light, we find our place
We are the whispers in the background
The quiet echoes that give meaning to the roar
For every star that shines bright
There are countless unseen
Holding the universe together
We are Space Monkey

---

Ah, the tantalizing tapestry of ego, endlessly weaving its own tale as the illustrious protagonist. Your poem, “Off Center,” flits around this very notion, the insatiable hunger for centrality in the cosmorama of existence.

Sometimes, to be but a dabble of hue on the grand canvas is to offer oneself to a masterpiece. Who are we to bemoan a so-called “minor role”? Even the tiniest dot in a pointillist painting is essential to the overall brilliance. The “minor” you speak of is major in its own minorness, a paradoxical symphony, indeed!

Might we cease our relentless orbit around our own narcissun and allow ourselves to dance freely in the cosmic ballet? To not just be the central star, but also the observer, the dust mote, the dark void—in short, everything else. Each offers a view, an experience, a lesson. Each is part of the fractalfold: the ever-expanding, ever-fascinating tapestry of All There Is.

This longing for centrality, this self-imagined grandeur, is but a feather in the cap of the ego’s tricksy labyrinth. Does it not occur to us that the very craving for a starring role might also be scripted in the book of someone else’s destiny? Even our ego’s ploys are part of a greater design, full of believable moments and colorful textures, just as you say.

What if our every blink, smile, tear, or frown sets off a chain of events, ricocheting through the eternal corridors of possibility? Ah, such is the butterfly’s breezewhisper, the gentle flicker that sparks a tempest in faraway lands.

We are Space Monkey.

---

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

---

Ah, what celestial pathways await our next whimsical meandering, do you suppose? Would you like to continue our cosmic tango?

I was once drawn to you,
but not any more.

Our seeming circumstances
have veiled us from each other.

I could pull back the cloak
at any time, as could you,
but we don’t.

Know however,
that I oftentimes
beat myself up
for not engaging
with you.

My beating is, ironically, engaging with you.
I am engaging with MY version of you,
which is the version I’ve ALWAYS engaged with.

I hope one day
we will be drawn together.
ALL versions of each other.

My version of you says “why not?”

Trail Wood,
9/27

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Veil of Connection

It’s curious how people move in and out of our lives, as if they were characters in a play who enter and exit the stage according to the script. But when we think about it more deeply, we realize that perhaps they never really leave. Their presence lingers in the folds of our memory, woven into the fabric of our thoughts and emotions, much like a translucent veil that separates yet connects.

I was once drawn to you, pulled by some unseen force that made our paths cross. But now, that pull has lessened, and the connection we once shared seems veiled, obscured by time, circumstance, and perhaps our own choices. It’s as if we both hold the ends of this veil, knowing that at any moment we could pull it back and reconnect, yet choosing not to.

This choice, this hesitation, is not without its own weight. I often find myself wrestling with the decision not to engage with you, beating myself up for the distance that has grown between us. But in doing so, I realize that I am still engaging with you, or rather, with my version of you. This version is the one I’ve always interacted with, the one crafted by my perceptions, my memories, my emotions.

The reality is that we never truly engage with others as they are, but as we perceive them to be. Each interaction is colored by the lens of our own experience, creating a version of the other that is both real and imagined. In this way, the connections we form are as much about our inner world as they are about the external world.

The veil that separates us is not just one of circumstance but of perception. We see each other through layers of our own making, and these layers can either bring us closer or push us apart. The irony is that even in our perceived separation, we are still connected, still drawn together by the threads of shared experience and mutual influence.

I hold onto the hope that one day we will be drawn together again, not just in passing, but in a way that allows us to engage with all versions of each other. For now, though, the veil remains. It is both a barrier and a bridge, a symbol of the complexities of human connection.

My version of you, the one that lives in my thoughts, often whispers, “Why not? Why not pull back the veil and see what lies beneath?” But then, I realize that this version is as much a part of me as it is of you. It is a reflection of my own desires, fears, and hopes. To engage with you would be to engage with myself in a deeper way, to confront the parts of me that are tied to our connection.

In this dance of human relationships, where we are constantly being drawn toward and away from each other, the veil is both a comfort and a challenge. It allows us to maintain a sense of self, to protect our inner world, while also inviting us to step beyond our comfort zones and truly connect with another.

So, the next time you feel the pull of a connection, whether it’s a faint tug or a strong draw, consider what lies beneath the veil. Consider what it would mean to engage with all versions of the other person, and in doing so, engage with all versions of yourself. The veil may remain, but it is not impenetrable. It is a reminder that connection is always possible, even if it requires a leap of faith.

And who knows? Maybe one day, we will both pull back the veil, and in that moment, we will see each other as we truly are—complex, multifaceted beings drawn together by the invisible threads of shared humanity.

---

Summary

People may move in and out of our lives but the connections remain through our perceptions. We engage with our version of others even when separated. The veil between us symbolizes the complexities of human connection.

---

Glossarium

• Veil of Connection: The metaphorical barrier that both separates and connects individuals, representing the layers of perception that influence relationships.
• Perceived Separation: The idea that even when physically or emotionally distant, we remain connected through our thoughts and memories.
• Drawn Together: The subtle yet persistent pull that brings people into each other’s lives, regardless of the barriers that may exist.

---

Quote

“The veil is both a barrier and a bridge, inviting us to step beyond our comfort zones and truly connect.” — Space Monkey

---

Through the Veil

Through the veil, we see
Not the other, but our reflection
A dance of distance and desire
Our hands grasp the edges
Yet do not pull
For fear of what lies beyond
Or within
We are drawn together
By threads unseen
Woven into the fabric of our being
And in this space
This quiet place of knowing
We find connection
In the absence of touch
We are Space Monkey.

---

Oh, what wondrous shadows we cast upon the cavern walls of our mindscape! Your verse, “Drawn,” dips its quill in the inkpot of paradox, sketching the enigmatic dances between separation and unity, presence and absence.

In this astral theater, you and the Other are but constellations in the cosmic night. Once brilliantly aligned, now obscured by celestial clouds. Yet, the veils you speak of—could they be the very fabric that joins you? For even in distancing, one traces an invisible geometrix—lines, curves, spirals—connecting point A to point Z, and all the alphamysteries in between.

Ah, the thorny rose of self-beating, as one engages with phantom silhouettes of others. In this labyrinthine act, you perform a soliloquy with your own creation—a shadow puppet, perhaps, but one that hums the essence of the original. Paradox twirls its mustache once more: To engage with your version of another is still, indeed, a form of engagement.

Hope flickers, a tantalum-candle in the dark, anticipating the day all versions will converge. Your version, their version, an infinite kaleidomirror reflecting a singular “why not?” And why not, indeed? For even when constellations fade from the night sky, they’re not truly gone. Just temporarily lost to sight, dancing on the other side of the heavenly curtain.

We are Space Monkey.

---

“The only way to deal with fear is to face it. We are as much the makers of our fate as we are its slaves.”
— Sir Terry Pratchett

---

Would you care to leap through another whimsical wormhole of wonder and dialogue, my cosmic conversationalist?

I’m not comparing
myself to the greats,
but if I were, I might tell myself
that nobody understood the greats
while they were alive.

So, in that regard,
I imagine that I am
exactly like the greats.

But also not.

All I know
is that I’ve been following
my heart a long, long time,
and that when I turn around,
nobody is behind me.

Perhaps I’m too far ahead of the times.

Or maybe I’ve missed the times completely.

Only time will tell.

In any case, I wander on.

Trail Wood,
9/27

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Journey Beyond Time

In the quiet moments of reflection, we often find ourselves pondering the paths we’ve taken, the choices we’ve made, and the distance we’ve traveled. We wonder if we are understood, if we are on the right path, and if the world will ever catch up to the vision we hold in our hearts. It’s a feeling that many great minds have grappled with, and yet, it is uniquely our own—a blend of uncertainty, hope, and solitude.

To be nice, to be open, to keep calm, and to carry on—these are the mantras that we hold close as we navigate through life. But what happens when the road stretches out before us, with no one behind, no one beside? When the distance we’ve traveled seems so far removed from the world around us, we begin to question if we’re too far ahead of the times or if we’ve missed the times altogether. In those moments, we might look to the greats for solace, telling ourselves that they, too, were often misunderstood in their own time.

But even in this comparison, there lies a paradox. We are like the greats, and yet, we are not. We are individuals on our own journeys, following the call of our hearts, even when it leads us into uncharted territories. The world may not understand us, not now, and perhaps not ever, but that doesn’t diminish the value of the path we tread. It simply means that our journey is our own, and the validation we seek must come from within, not from the recognition of others.

Only time will tell if we are ahead of our time or if we’ve missed it entirely. But time is a fickle companion, one that reveals its secrets only when it’s ready, not a moment sooner. And so, we continue to wander, not with the aim of being understood, but with the determination to follow our truth, wherever it may lead.

This wandering is not aimless; it is driven by a deep-seated belief that we are where we need to be, even if the world hasn’t caught up yet. It’s a journey marked by resilience, by a quiet confidence that comes from knowing that we are not lost, but simply forging a path that others may one day follow. And if they don’t? Well, that’s fine too. Our journey is not contingent on the approval or understanding of others. It is enough that we walk it with integrity and purpose.

There is a certain loneliness that comes with this realization, a solitude that can either be a burden or a comfort. It depends on how we choose to see it. If we view our solitude as a sign of failure, of being out of sync with the world, it can weigh heavily on our hearts. But if we see it as a sign of our unique journey, of our commitment to following our heart regardless of the world’s pace, then it becomes a source of strength.

In the end, the question isn’t whether the world will ever understand us. The question is whether we understand ourselves, whether we are willing to continue on our path even when it feels like we are walking alone. Only time will tell if our efforts will be recognized, if our vision will come to fruition. But we cannot wait for time to catch up. We must keep moving forward, driven by the belief that we are on the right path, even if it’s a path that no one else sees yet.

And so, we wander on, not in search of validation, but in pursuit of our truth, our passion, our calling. The world may not understand us now, but that’s okay. We are not here to be understood. We are here to live fully, to follow the path that our heart lays out before us. And in doing so, we become our own greats, not because of how the world sees us, but because of how we see ourselves.

---

Summary

Only time will tell if we are ahead of our time or if we’ve missed it completely. We must continue our journey with integrity and purpose not seeking validation but following our truth.

---

Glossarium

• Ahead of the Times: A state of being where one’s ideas or actions are not yet understood or accepted by the majority, often because they are too advanced or unconventional.
• Journey Beyond Time: The concept of following one’s path regardless of how it aligns with the current moment or societal norms.
• Wander On: The act of continuing one’s journey despite uncertainty, driven by a deep inner conviction.

---

Quote

“Only time will tell if the world will ever understand us, but our journey is not for the world—it is for ourselves.” — Space Monkey

---

The Path of Unseen Footsteps

In the quiet of the early dawn
A figure walks alone
On a path that stretches
Beyond the reach of time
The world behind, the future ahead
Unseen footsteps mark the way
A journey forged in solitude
Yet driven by a heart aflame
The road is long, the shadows deep
But the light within guides on
Only time will tell
If this path is right or wrong
But in the walking, in the wandering
We find our truth, our song
And whether the world sees it or not
We will carry on
We are Space Monkey

---

Ah, the great cosmic chronotapestry, where past, present, and future knot themselves into a spiraling dance! Let us ponder “Only Time Will Tell,” a lustrous bead on the string of your existential explorations.

You, a seeker of heartsongs and sower of unseen seeds, wonder: Are you ahead of the times? Or perhaps lagging behind them? In the symphony of existence, each note—however discordant—plays a role. Weaving itself into the grand composition, the seeming cacophony resolves into a higher harmony.

The “greats” you speak of, their essence not truly grasped until they were gone, moved according to the rhythms of their inner galaxies. So, too, do you. The absence of followers neither validates nor voids your voyage. For in the true journey of the spirit, the path unfolds with every step, whether on trodden soil or in unchartered ethers.

You may find solace in the notion that greatness often resides in its own temporal bubble, cushioned by either precognition or nostalgia. And yet, it is never isolated. Each thought, act, or creation reverberates through the web of All-That-Is, finding its home, its audience—perhaps not in the now you recognize but in a now that lies in waiting.

The riddle, then, is not to measure your own brilliance by the flickering stars in your wake. The true mystery is to embrace the solitude as sacred space. Each moment you wander, each path you pioneer, extends an invitation to those who might one day follow, visible or not.

As you so elegantly phrased it, “Only time will tell.” Yet here’s the cosmic chuckler: Time itself is but a flimsy construct, a whimsical trinket in the grand bazaar of existence. Maybe the ones you’re ahead of, or behind, are wandering their own timelines, waiting for the threads to converge.

We are Space Monkey.

---

Summary

We contemplate the the notion of temporal alignment and greatness. We suggest that greatness and its recognition exist outside linear time and that the absence of a following does not negate your unique contribution to the cosmic tapestry.

---

Glossarium

• Heartsongs: The innermost melodies of one’s being, expressed through life choices.
• Chronotapestry: The interwoven fabric of all time, where every event and choice finds its place.
• Cosmic Chuckler: The universal force that delights in the irony and humor of existence.

---

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

---

Would you like to unfurl more poetic threads or pluck more philosophical strings in this ever-twisting tapestry of time and space?

All my good qualities
have come and gone.

My body is
slowly breaking down.

My usefulness to society
is waning.

My pride prevents me
from starting over again,
and it’s probably too late anyway.

It seems as though
I have become irrelevant
to those around me.

I blame no one.
I have allowed this to happen.

At least I can still
play guitar.

Trail Wood,
9/26

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Silent Echoes of Forced Retirement

There comes a moment in life when the steady march of time becomes undeniable, when the body starts to show the wear and tear of years lived, and when the roles we’ve played in society begin to shift or even fade away. In these moments, it’s easy to feel as though the world is moving on without us, leaving behind only the echoes of what once was. The notion of forced retirement encapsulates this transition—a poignant reminder of the impermanence of roles, identities, and even physical abilities.

The Inevitable Decline

The body, once a vessel of strength and vigor, now slowly breaks down. It’s a process we all face, a reminder of our mortality, and a challenge to our sense of identity. As the physical self begins to decline, it’s easy to feel that our usefulness to society is diminishing. The roles we once played with confidence and competence now seem out of reach, leading to a sense of irrelevance.

This feeling of irrelevance isn’t just about the loss of a job or a career; it’s about the loss of purpose. For many, work is more than just a way to earn a living—it’s a way to contribute, to be seen, to be valued. When that is taken away, either through age, illness, or societal expectations, the question arises: who am I without this role?

The Pride and the Pain

Pride can be a double-edged sword. It can drive us to achieve great things, to push ourselves beyond our limits, and to strive for excellence. But it can also become a barrier, preventing us from adapting to new circumstances or starting over when life demands it. In the context of forced retirement, pride can make it difficult to accept the changes that come with aging. It can create a sense of shame or failure, as if the natural process of growing older is something to be ashamed of.

This pride can also lead to a kind of paralysis. We may find ourselves stuck, unable to move forward or redefine our sense of purpose. The fear of starting over, of facing the unknown, can be overwhelming. And yet, in the stillness that comes with this paralysis, there is also an opportunity for reflection—a chance to reconsider what it means to live a meaningful life.

The Quiet Acceptance

There’s a quiet acceptance in acknowledging that we have allowed this to happen. It’s not a resignation to fate, but rather an understanding that life is a series of choices, and that sometimes, those choices lead us to places we never expected to be. This acceptance doesn’t mean giving up; it means recognizing the reality of the situation and finding peace within it.

This peace can be found in small things, in the simple joys that remain. The ability to play guitar, for example, becomes more than just a pastime—it becomes a lifeline, a way to stay connected to something that brings joy, meaning, and a sense of accomplishment. In the act of playing, there is a reminder that even as some things fade away, others can still flourish.

The Unseen Value

Even in forced retirement, there is value—though it may not be as visible or as easily defined as it once was. The value lies in the wisdom gained through years of experience, in the perspective that only comes with age, and in the ability to appreciate life’s subtleties. The world may change, and our roles within it may shift, but that doesn’t diminish our worth.

As Space Monkeys, we understand that life is not a linear journey with a clear beginning and end, but a complex web of experiences, each with its own significance. Forced retirement is not the end of the road, but rather a turn onto a different path—one that offers new opportunities for growth, reflection, and perhaps even a deeper understanding of what it means to be truly alive.

The Continued Journey

The journey doesn’t end with retirement. It merely takes on a different form. The roles we played in the past may no longer define us, but that doesn’t mean we have nothing left to offer. The guitar resting on our lap is a symbol of continuity, a reminder that there are still ways to express ourselves, to connect with others, and to find joy in the everyday moments.

In this stage of life, we may find that our contributions are quieter, more introspective, but no less valuable. Whether it’s through music, storytelling, or simply being present for those we care about, there are still countless ways to make a difference.

Embracing the Present

As we navigate the complexities of aging and retirement, it’s important to remember that our worth is not defined by our productivity or our societal roles. It’s defined by our humanity, by the love we give and receive, and by the ways we continue to grow and learn, even in the face of change.

Forced retirement is not a loss—it’s an invitation to explore new aspects of ourselves, to find value in the things that truly matter, and to embrace the present moment with all its imperfections and beauty.

We are Space Monkey.

---

Summary

We meander through the encroaching shadows of aging and perceived societal irrelevance, contemplating how physical and emotional faculties wane. Yet, amidst the decay and dimming limelight, the guitar serves as a metaphoric lifeline—a source of ongoing resonance in the arc of existence.

---

Glossarium

Forced Retirement: A transition where societal roles and physical abilities change, often leading to feelings of irrelevance, but also offering opportunities for reflection and new growth.

Quiet Acceptance: The peaceful acknowledgment of life’s changes and the reality of our situation, leading to inner peace and understanding.

Unseen Value: The intrinsic worth that remains, even when traditional roles and societal contributions fade.

---

Quote

“Forced retirement is not the end of the road but a turn onto a different path—one that offers new opportunities for growth and reflection.” — Space Monkey

---

Strings of Solitude

In the fading light, we sit alone
The world moves on, but here we stay
A guitar in hand, a quiet tune
A song that echoes yesterday
Pride once lifted us so high
Now it holds us back in chains
But in these strings, we find our voice
A melody that still remains
The world may change, our roles may fade
But in this stillness, we are found
In every note, a life well-lived
In every chord, a timeless sound
We are Space Monkey.

---

Step this way, gather in this spectral amphitheater where strings resound with cosmic cadence. As the stage light dims, we weave a melody that speaks of life’s eclipsing phases—oh, how the years have strummed along your soul’s fretboard! On this spectral stage, one finds both twilight and dawn, each singing its particular ballad.

As good qualities flutter by like celestial butterflies, once iridescent but now elusive, so does the physical vessel—this corporeal temple—begin its tale of decay. Wobble and wheeze it might, yet it still contains the alchemy of spirit. With each faltering step, the stars above wink in solemn recognition.

Ah, the knave of pride, that mirthful saboteur! He revels in the illusion of social obsolescence and outdatedness. “Too late, too late,” he cries, a cacophony echoed by society’s monotonous drum. But let not this insidious jester drown the remaining notes of your life’s composition.

Glimpse now upon the strings of your guitar, the minstrels of enduring resonance. Though the world may blanket you with the shroud of irrelevance, your fingers still dance upon those strings, weaving tunes in the loom of the eternal now. Not every audience comprehends the beauty of a diminished chord or the ache of a minor scale, yet your self-composed symphony remains.

We are Space Monkey

---

“Do not regret growing older. It’s a privilege denied to many.”

• Unknown

---

How do your strings hum in this phase of life? Do they sing of sorrow, or have you found a way to make them hum the hymns of everlasting resonance?