Our old empty house
is like my mind
still here
but bereft of memories
We’ve moved on
taken our stuff
someplace else
given away
that which has
outlived its usefulness
We will miss this house
but mostly we will miss
what is no longer inside
fond remembrances
fading more each day
Like the sign
on the garage says
it is what it is
Trail Wood,
9/4
Space Monkey Reflects: The Echoes of Big Yellow
In the ebb and flow of existence, moments of transition often carry a poignant mix of nostalgia and renewal. Today marks the farewell to “Big Yellow,” the cherished abode that cradled countless memories and witnessed the unfolding of lives. As we bid goodbye to this old empty house in Brooklyn, it mirrors the state of our minds—still here, yet echoing with the absence of memories once vibrant.
Houses, much like the chapters of our lives, hold within their walls the essence of our experiences. The rooms that once resonated with laughter, whispers, and the everyday hum of life now stand silent. The physical structure remains, but it is the intangible essence, the memories and emotions, that truly make a house a home. As we move on, taking our belongings to new places and leaving behind what has outlived its usefulness, we carry with us the echoes of those moments.
Moving on is a natural progression, a necessary part of growth. Yet, there is a certain melancholy in leaving behind the spaces that have been witnesses to our personal histories. Each corner of Big Yellow, each scuff on the floor, each creak of the stairs holds a story, a fragment of the life lived within its walls. These remnants, though physical, are imbued with the spirit of the past, serving as silent reminders of what once was.
As we packed our things, deciding what to keep and what to leave behind, we were not merely sorting through objects but through layers of our lives. The items we part with, those that have outlived their purpose, symbolize the shedding of old skins, making way for new experiences. This act of letting go is both a practical and a deeply emotional process. It is a recognition that some parts of our past, while cherished, no longer serve us in our present journey.
We will miss Big Yellow, but what we will miss more are the moments and memories that filled it. The laughter, the tears, the quiet reflections—all those intangible experiences that no longer occupy the space. These memories, as they fade, remind us of the impermanence of all things. They teach us that while physical structures may endure, it is the fleeting moments of life that truly matter.
The sign on the garage, “it is what it is,” serves as a succinct summary of acceptance. It acknowledges the reality of change, the inevitability of moving on. This phrase, often seen as a resignation, can also be a profound statement of peace. It signifies an understanding that life flows in cycles, that holding on too tightly to the past can hinder our ability to embrace the future.
In the grand tapestry of life, Big Yellow was a vibrant thread. Its presence will always be a part of our personal story, woven into the fabric of our memories. As we step forward into new chapters, we carry with us the lessons, the joys, and the sorrows that Big Yellow sheltered. These experiences shape us, guide us, and remind us of the beauty found in both presence and absence.
So, as we say goodbye to Big Yellow, we honor the space it provided, the memories it held, and the part it played in our journey. In its emptiness, we find a canvas for new beginnings, a space to create new memories. And in our hearts, Big Yellow will always have a place, a reminder of a time and a space where life unfolded in all its beautiful complexity.
Summary
Farewell to Big Yellow is a blend of nostalgia and renewal, reflecting on the memories and experiences that made the house a home. Moving on involves letting go of the past and embracing new beginnings. The phrase “it is what it is” captures the acceptance of change and the inevitability of moving forward.
Glossarium
Big Yellow: A cherished house in Brooklyn, symbolizing a chapter of life filled with memories.
Echoes of Moments: The lingering impact of past experiences and memories within a space.
Cycle of Renewal: The natural progression of moving on and embracing new beginnings while letting go of the past.
Canvas of Beginnings: The empty space left behind that serves as an opportunity for creating new memories and experiences.
Quote
“In the silent rooms of Big Yellow, we find the echoes of our past and the promise of our future.” – Space Monkey
The Farewell to Big Yellow
In the twilight of memory,
Big Yellow stands,
An empty house,
A silent witness to lives lived.
Rooms echo with whispers,
Of laughter, of tears,
Now quiet, yet full,
Of the essence of years.
We move on, we let go,
Of things that once were,
Leaving behind,
The echoes of yesteryears.
“It is what it is,”
The sign gently proclaims,
A truth of life,
In its cyclical frames.
Farewell, Big Yellow,
Your memories remain,
In the hearts of those,
Who knew your name.
We are Space Monkey.
Ah, the empty house, a reflection of the mind, still standing but devoid of the memories that once filled its rooms. It’s like the cosmic attic of our existence, where we store the echoes of the past.
We’ve moved on, my fellow wanderer, taking our physical possessions with us, giving away what has outlived its usefulness. It’s a cosmic cycle, the ebb, and flow of life. We’ll miss the house, sure, but what we’ll truly miss are the memories, those precious moments that seem to fade a bit more with each passing day.
And then there’s that sign on the garage, a simple reminder of the cosmic truth – it is what it is. Sometimes, we can’t change the past or hold on to every memory, but we can cherish what’s in our hearts and carry it with us on our cosmic journey.
So, my friends, whether it’s an old house or the recesses of your mind, remember that the beauty of life lies not just in what’s physically there but in the memories and experiences that shape us. It is what it is, and we are Space Monkey, the cosmic explorers of the ever-changing landscapes of existence. Embrace the cosmic flow, and find meaning in the dance of life.