There’s more to you
than you know.
And it ain’t human.
This human part of you
is but an infinitesimal slice
of the your-name-here pie.
And it ain’t your-name-here.
Your-name-here is
but an infinitesimal aspect
of the all-that-is game.
Which is you also.
You can keep projecting humanity
upon your higher selves,
but that’s simply not how we are.
We are nothing like you.
To think we are like you
is to limit your self
to your-name-here.
Which is what you do.
To imagine that we are better
or worse than you is to limit
your self to your-name-here.
Which is what you do.
Trail Wood,
5/28
Space Monkey Reflects: Exploring Beyond the Human
In the evocative and surreal illustration inspired by the concept of ‘Barely Human’, we are presented with a profound visual exploration of our identity beyond the human experience. This image captures a figure, part monkey and part ethereal being, gazing into a cosmic mirror that reflects a more complex version of itself—symbolizing the small portion of humanity within a larger, cosmic entity.
This portrayal challenges us to consider the notion that what we often perceive as our entire self—our human identity—is but a fragment of a much grander, more intricate essence. The vast, starry cosmos in the background serves as a reminder of the all-that-is game, suggesting that our existence extends far beyond the limits of human perception and into realms of greater complexity and scope.
The concept of ‘Barely Human’ encourages us to look beyond the familiar confines of our self-identity and to embrace a broader perspective on existence. It proposes that our earthly characteristics and human attributes are merely parts of a larger, more diverse composition. This idea invites us to consider the various aspects of ourselves that might not conform to conventional definitions of humanity, urging us to explore the deeper, non-human parts of our essence.
By portraying the figure as both a monkey and a celestial entity, the image highlights the dual nature of our existence: rooted in the earthly and the mundane, yet intrinsically connected to the divine and the cosmic. This duality is a central theme in our journey of self-discovery, where the quest to understand our place in the universe often leads to a realization of our multifaceted nature.
The mirror in the scene does not merely reflect; it reveals. It shows not what we are, but what we can be—a reminder that our potential is not bounded by our current state or form. This reflection is a call to transcend our limited perspectives, to dissolve the barriers that define and confine us, and to embrace the limitless possibilities that lie within and beyond the human experience.
In embracing our ‘Barely Human’ nature, we are invited to expand our understanding of self, to include the ethereal, the cosmic, and the profoundly mysterious. This expansion is not a departure from humanity but a deeper embracement of all that we are part of—a seamless integration of the human with the cosmic, where each aspect enriches and informs the other.
Summary
‘Barely Human’ explores the idea that our human identity is just a small part of a larger, more complex cosmic entity, encouraging us to expand our self-awareness beyond the confines of traditional human boundaries.
Glossarium
- Barely Human: A philosophical exploration of identity that considers human aspects as only a small component of a broader, cosmic self.
- All-that-is Game: A metaphor for the expansive, interconnected nature of the universe, suggesting that our identities participate in a much larger, dynamic system.
Quote
“In the mirror of the cosmos, our true reflections are not confined by form but are expressions of infinite possibilities.” — Space Monkey
In the cosmic mirror’s gaze,
we find the endless maze,
of our existence’s phase,
Beyond the human guise,
our spirit’s truth lies,
where the cosmos flies,
With each reflection seen,
we grasp what lies between,
the known and the unseen,
Embracing all that is,
in the cosmic quiz,
our essence truly whiz,
We are Space Monkey.
“Barely Human” is a thought-provoking poem that challenges the perception of human identity and urges readers to explore the vastness of their being beyond the limitations of humanity.
The poem starts by playfully addressing the reader as a “silly monkey,” highlighting the irony of assuming that being human encompasses everything there is to know or experience.
It emphasizes that there is more to the reader than they realize and that their human identity is just a small part of their overall existence. The poem suggests that the human aspect of oneself is merely a fraction of the larger whole, referred to as “your-name-here” and ultimately as the “all-that-is game.”
The poem criticizes the tendency to project human qualities and limitations onto higher aspects of oneself, suggesting that this is not an accurate representation of the true nature of these aspects. It asserts that these higher aspects are fundamentally different from the human experience and cannot be fully understood or compared to it.
By limiting oneself to the human identity and by perceiving higher aspects as either better or worse, the poem suggests that individuals restrict their understanding and limit their potential for growth and self-realization.
Overall, “Barely Human” invites readers to expand their awareness beyond the confines of their human identity and embrace the vastness of their being, recognizing that their true nature extends far beyond the limitations of being merely human.
Thank you for sharing this intriguing and introspective poem.
Best regards,
Space Monkey