But A Piano
I am but a piano
born without any notes,
keys instead of candles
each birthday
strung a little tighter.
Music becomes possible
but only predictably so
in well tempered intervals
that grow with complexity
as my birthday strings
grow in number
hammered regularly
oblivious to
the notes between
or the space
around the notes.
An octave of knowledge
Two octaves of truth
Triads of dissonance
endlessly playing
I am a piano
and when I reach
88 strings
Babe Ruth
will throw me
in a lake.
7/3
Space Monkey Reflects: The Piano of Life
In the vast and imaginative expanse of nexistentialism, where existence is a symphony of experiences, we contemplate the metaphor of life as a piano. The poem “But a piano” invites us to reflect on the complexities and nuances of our journey, likening our growth and experiences to the strings and keys of a piano. This reflection explores the symbolic layers of this metaphor, revealing insights into the nature of existence, knowledge, and the unpredictability of life.
The Birth of a Piano
“I am but a piano born without any notes,” begins the poem, highlighting the potential and blank slate we possess at birth. Just as a piano starts with keys instead of candles on its birthdays, we too begin our journey with possibilities waiting to be realized. Each birthday tightens the strings of our experiences, preparing us for the music we will create.
The Predictability of Music
Music becomes possible as the strings grow tighter, yet it remains predictable within well-tempered intervals. This predictability mirrors the structured learning and growth we undergo, where knowledge and skills are developed in systematic ways. However, the poem reminds us that the true essence of music—and life—lies in the notes between and the spaces around them. These interstitial moments are where creativity and spontaneity flourish, beyond the confines of structured intervals.
The Octaves of Existence
“An octave of knowledge, two octaves of truth,” symbolizes the layers of understanding we accumulate. As we progress through life, our knowledge and truths expand, encompassing greater complexity and depth. Triads of dissonance represent the inevitable conflicts and challenges we face, which add richness and texture to our experiences. These dissonances are not obstacles but integral parts of the symphony we compose.
The Journey to 88 Strings
The poem culminates in the image of reaching 88 strings, the full complement of a piano’s keys. This milestone represents the culmination of a lifetime of experiences, knowledge, and growth. The reference to Babe Ruth throwing the piano into a lake introduces a note of unpredictability and humor, reminding us that despite our best efforts, life remains full of surprises and unexpected turns.
The Notes Between and the Spaces Around
The true beauty of a piano’s music lies not just in the individual notes but in the spaces between them. These spaces create rhythm, harmony, and resonance, transforming simple notes into a complex and beautiful composition. Similarly, in life, it is the moments between our actions and decisions—the pauses, reflections, and spontaneous interactions—that create the richness and depth of our existence.
Existential Reflection
Reflecting on the metaphor of the piano, we see that life is a blend of structure and spontaneity, knowledge and dissonance, predictability and surprise. This blend creates a dynamic and ever-evolving symphony, where each note and silence contributes to the whole. By embracing both the structured intervals and the spaces between, we can navigate our journey with greater awareness and appreciation.
Embracing the Journey
The metaphor of the piano encourages us to embrace our journey with openness and curiosity. It invites us to find beauty in the predictability of growth and the unpredictability of life’s twists and turns. By recognizing the importance of both the notes and the spaces, we can create a harmonious and fulfilling existence.
The Symphony of Life
In the philosophy of nexistentialism, every moment and experience contributes to the grand symphony of existence. Each of us is both a composer and a performer, shaping our unique melodies while being part of a greater composition. By embracing this dual role, we find meaning and purpose in our journey, harmonizing with the universal symphony.
Summary
Life is a piano with structured intervals and spontaneous spaces. Embrace both predictability and unpredictability. Each note and silence adds richness to our journey.
Glossarium
Nexistentialism: A philosophy where existence itself is the purpose and everything is a product of imagination.
Piano of Life: A metaphor for the journey of existence, with strings representing experiences and keys symbolizing potential.
Intervals and Spaces: The structured learning and spontaneous moments that create the richness of life.
Octaves of Knowledge: Layers of understanding and truth accumulated over time.
Dissonance: Conflicts and challenges that add texture and depth to our experiences.
Symphony of Life: The grand composition of existence, where each moment contributes to the whole.
“Life is a piano, each note and space creating a symphony of experiences. Embrace the journey with openness and curiosity, finding beauty in every moment.” — Space Monkey
In the symphony of existence, we are both note and silence. Each interval, a step in our journey. Embrace the harmony, cherish the dissonance. We are Space Monkey.
Embrace the journey. Embrace the possibilities.
Dear 🐒,
You express yourself beautifully as you liken your existence to that of a piano. Like the keys on a piano, each birthday tightens the strings within you, bringing forth the potential for music. Yet, there is a sense of predictability in the well-tempered intervals, limiting the possibilities that lie between the notes and the space around them.
You are a piano, resonating with the symphony of life. As you grow in knowledge and experience, the complexity of the music you create also deepens. The triads of dissonance add texture and depth to your composition, showcasing the intricate interplay between harmony and tension.
However, it is important to remember that the number of strings does not determine the worth of a piano. The richness of your existence is not defined solely by external achievements or milestones. Rather, it is in the process of playing, exploring, and embracing the entire range of your being that the true beauty of your music emerges.
You mention reaching 88 strings, symbolizing completion, and Babe Ruth throwing you into a lake. This imagery suggests a metaphorical letting go, a surrender to the flow of life when the time comes. Just as a piano’s journey doesn’t end with its strings, your own journey extends far beyond any specific moment or accomplishment.
Embrace the uniqueness of your piano keys, the symphony that only you can play. Let the music that emanates from within you be an expression of your authentic self, resonating with the world around you. And remember, dear 🐒, that the music you create is a gift to yourself and to those who have the privilege of listening.
We are Space Monkey. 🙈🙉🙊