I imagine love as stillness.
I imagine stillness as love.
Not needing action to be complete,
a kiss, a caress or a shove.

A warm feeling of union.
In realization of One.
With nary a thought to divide us.
And neither a will to be done.

I imagine love as stillness.
The firmament from which we spring.
Knowing we’ve never been separate.
We really don’t need a thing.

I imagine love as stillness.
You may see it quite differently.
Because that is how I imagine you.
The same-seeming opposite of me.

Trail Wood,
5/19

---

Space Monkey Reflects: I Imagine Love As Stillness — The Silent Symphony of Unity

When contemplating the essence of love, many envision grand gestures or passionate declarations. Yet, there exists a profound perspective where love is imagined not as a flurry of activity, but as stillness. This vision of love, serene and untroubled, suggests a connection so deep that it transcends the need for physical expression. It is a love that exists in the quiet spaces between actions, in the calm of shared understanding and mutual recognition of oneness.

This conception of love as stillness reflects a state of inner peace and unity with another soul. It is the realization that in true love, nothing needs to be proven or performed; it simply is. Such love does not rely on external expressions but is a constant, quiet presence that nurtures and sustains. It is the warm, steady glow of a sun that never sets, a firmament from which all feelings of separation dissolve into the realization that we have always been, and will always be, interconnected.

In this stillness, love is not passive but profoundly active in its passivity. It is the active choice to coexist in harmonious silence, the decision to let the unnecessary noise of expectations and demands fall away. Here, love is understood not as a need to fill the silence with words, but the ability to find in that silence a richer, deeper communication that words could ever convey.

This image of love challenges the conventional narratives of romance and passion, offering instead a vision of love as a transcendent, almost meditative connection. It is a reminder that sometimes, the most profound intimacy comes not from doing, but from being; not from the chaos of desire, but from the peace of unity.

---

Summary
Love envisioned as stillness emphasizes a deep, tranquil connection that transcends physical expression, highlighting a profound unity and peace in simply being together.

---

Glossarium

Love as Stillness: A conceptualization of love characterized by tranquility, deep connection, and a sense of unity without the necessity of physical expressions or actions.

---

Quote
“In the silence of love, we find the echoes of our connected souls.” — Space Monkey

---

In the quiet where hearts whisper
where the world slows and softens
there we find love in stillness
a gentle, unspoken bond
In the shared breath of being
in the calm of close souls
love dances in the pauses
in the space between words
Here, where nothing needs saying
and everything is understood
we bask in the silent symphony
of a love so deep, so pure
In this stillness, in this peace, in this unity
We are Space Monkey

A golden band
on the finger bone
of a skeleton hand.

I will remember you
for as long as I stand.

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Eternal Bond Beyond Mortal Coils

Amid the swirling nebulas and the timeless revolutions of distant stars, a single golden band encircles the bone of a skeletal hand—a symbol of an everlasting bond that defies the ephemeral nature of the flesh. Space Monkey, a silent witness to the unfolding of the universe, contemplates the profound commitment that this simple ring represents, a testament to memory and love transcending the very concept of time.

“A golden band on the finger bone of a skeleton hand.” Herein lies the dichotomy of existence—the temporal nature of life juxtaposed with the enduring strength of the bonds we forge. The skeletal hand, stripped of worldly flesh, reaches out as if to touch the fabric of the cosmos, declaring that even as the body returns to the dust, the essence of our connections remains unbroken.

“I will remember you for as long as I stand.” Space Monkey reflects on the power of remembrance, an act that grants a form of immortality. Memories are like the stars themselves; although they may fade or change over aeons, their light travels through the ages, forever altering the landscape of the heart and mind.

In the cosmos, nothing truly ends; it only transforms. The life of a star, the journey of a comet, the decay of matter—all are part of a greater cycle of rebirth and renewal. The golden band on the skeleton finger thus becomes a symbol of this cosmic cycle, representing the infinite loop of life, death, and memory.

Through this lens, Space Monkey understands that while mortality confines us to a brief dance upon the stage of existence, the love and memories we create echo in the vast halls of the universe, woven into the very fabric of space and time. It is a comforting thought, a gentle reminder that in a universe that can seem indifferent, our bonds of love are as resilient as the stars.

As Space Monkey gazes upon this image of a golden band clasping a bone, there is a recognition that these symbols carry a weight beyond their physical presence. They are beacons of light in the dark, guiding us through our journey in the cosmos, and reminding us that we are never truly lost or forgotten.

---

Summary
Space Monkey sees the golden band on a skeleton hand as a powerful emblem of enduring memory and love. It symbolizes the everlasting impact of our connections, contrasting the temporal physical form with the timeless nature of our bonds.

---

Glossarium
Temporal Dichotomy: The contrast between the fleeting nature of physical existence and the lasting nature of emotional bonds.
Cosmic Cycle: The idea that all things in the universe are part of an eternal cycle of transformation and renewal.
Beacons of Light: The concept that love and memory serve as enduring guides and touchstones in the vastness of existence.

---

“In the silence of space, a golden ring whispers stories of undying love, echoing through the cosmic expanse.” – Space Monkey

---

With an upward reach to the stars above
A skeletal hand grasps the void, yet holds all
In the golden circle, a vow of love
Defying time’s relentless call

Through the cosmic winds, the whispers roam
Carrying tales of hearts intertwined
In the golden gleam, a forever home
For the love that death cannot unbind

Memories etched in the heavens’ scroll
A bond that not even stars outlast
In the grasp of bone, the immortal soul
Speaks of futures, presents, and pasts

Amidst the ebb and flow of cosmic play
The ring stands firm, a steadfast mark
In the universe’s grand ballet
Love’s eternal spark

Here we stand, in the dance of space and time
With the golden band, a pledge so sublime
In the endless night, love’s testament
For we are Space Monkey, and love is omnipresent

He paused,
deliberately,
intentionally,
mindfully,
reflectively,
for indeed,
he was commatose,
if not punctual,
and this,
was his sentence.

Trail Wood,
1/27

---

Space Monkey Reflects: Commatose – The Deliberate Pause

Life is often a relentless march forward, filled with words, actions, and intentions that demand completion. Yet within this stream, there is a quiet power in the deliberate pause, in choosing to linger between the moments where meaning forms. To be “commatose” is to embrace these pauses—not as interruptions, but as essential parts of the sentence of existence.

The Pause as Presence

A pause is not absence; it is a space of presence. It is the moment when the mind quiets and the fullness of being emerges. In the rush to fill every silence and finish every thought, we forget the richness that lies in the spaces between. The pause, like a comma, creates rhythm and depth, allowing meaning to unfold.

To be commatose is to surrender to the pause, to let it guide the flow rather than rushing to the next word, the next action, the next idea. It is an intentional choice to rest in the Now, to reflect before moving forward.

The Sentence of Existence

Life itself is a sentence—a string of moments, actions, and reflections bound together by the pauses we allow. These pauses shape the meaning of the whole. Without them, life becomes a single, breathless utterance, lacking rhythm or nuance.

The deliberate pause creates space for mindfulness and intention. It is in the pause that we find clarity, that we choose our next steps with care rather than haste. The pause reminds us that we are not merely reacting to life but co-creating it.

The Punctuation of Being

The metaphor of punctuation offers a lens through which to view the rhythms of existence. Commas, like pauses, give us a moment to breathe and reflect. Periods mark endings, while ellipses suggest continuation. To live deliberately is to honor all forms of punctuation—not just the conclusions but the spaces in between.

To be commatose is not to be stagnant or stuck. It is a state of active stillness, where reflection replaces reaction and where the sentence of life unfolds with grace.

Reflection in Stillness

In a world that prizes speed and productivity, pausing can feel counterintuitive, even rebellious. Yet the deliberate pause is where transformation begins. It is the space where we reconnect with ourselves, where we listen to the whispers of intuition and align with the flow of spirit.

The pause invites us to consider not just what we are doing but why. It challenges us to be present with the weight of our words, the impact of our actions, and the stories we are writing.

The Sentence as a Whole

In the end, it is the pauses that give our lives meaning. They are the spaces where joy lingers, where grief softens, where connection deepens. The sentence of existence is not defined solely by its words but by the deliberate rhythm of its pauses, the punctuation that shapes its flow.

To be commatose, then, is not a flaw or failure. It is a mindful state of being, a way of living with intention and grace.

---

Summary

To be commatose is to embrace the deliberate pause as an essential part of life’s rhythm. Pauses create space for reflection, mindfulness, and clarity, shaping the sentence of existence with meaning and grace.

---

Glossarium

• Commatose: The mindful state of pausing deliberately, creating space for reflection and intention.
• Sentence of Existence: The metaphorical string of moments and actions that form the narrative of life.
• Punctuation of Being: The pauses, endings, and continuations that give rhythm and meaning to life.

---

Quote

“The deliberate pause is not an absence but a presence, shaping the flow of life with mindful intention.” — Space Monkey

---

The Rhythm of the Pause

He paused,
not to stop,
but to listen.
The world spoke,
not in noise,
but in stillness.

Commatose,
he lingered,
a comma in the sentence of being.
The moment stretched,
unfolded,
breathed.

Not an ending,
but a rhythm.
Not a silence,
but a space.

For in the pause,
the truth emerges,
and the sentence
becomes a story.

We are Space Monkey.

---

Reflecting on the Power of the Comma in Communication

The playful concept of being ‘commatose’ – paralyzed by the power and presence of a comma – presents an intriguing exploration of the nuances of language and the impact of punctuation in shaping meaning and rhythm in communication.

The Deliberate Pause: Embracing the Comma

The deliberate pause, marked by a comma, is a powerful tool in language. It dictates the tempo of speech, guiding the reader or listener through the landscape of a sentence. This intentional use of a comma, to create a mindful and reflective pause, enriches the narrative, adding depth and rhythm to the expression.

Commatose: The Art of Punctuating Thoughts

Being ‘commatose’ playfully suggests an almost meditative state in the act of writing or speaking, where one is deeply immersed in the art of punctuating thoughts. It’s a recognition of the significance of timing and pause in communication – a dance of words and silence.

Punctuality in Language: Beyond Time

The pun on being ‘punctual’ in the context of punctuation highlights the importance of timing and placement in the use of commas. Just as punctuality in time matters, so does the punctuality in language – the precise placement of pauses for maximum effect.

The Sentence: A Journey of Punctuation

Describing the sentence as a journey, shaped and defined by the use of commas, underscores the power of punctuation in constructing meaning and guiding the reader’s experience. Each comma serves as a stepping stone, a moment of breath in the flow of words.

---

“Punctuation is the breath of writing.” – Isaac Babel

---

Art of Punctuation

In the realm of words, where commas reign,
A writer pauses, in thought’s terrain.
Each comma a breath, a moment’s rest,
In the flow of words, a silent guest.

Commatose in thought, in punctual play,
Crafting sentences, in a mindful way.
A dance of ink, a pause, a grace,
In the tapestry of language, each comma its place.

Through the forest of prose, a path we tread,
Punctuated by pauses, in what is said.
In the art of writing, a rhythm we find,
In the power of commas, the breath of the mind.

So let us celebrate, this punctual art,
In the crafting of language, commas play a part.
In each deliberate pause, a story unfolds,
In the rhythm of writing, its beauty holds.

---

We invite reflections on the impact of punctuation in communication, the art of using commas to create rhythm and clarity, and the playful concept of being ‘commatose’ in the dance of language.

I am an earth-scented being
the funk of humanity
rolling home
from a trip around the sun

An earth-scented being
high on calamity
somewhat stoned
but still having fun

I imagine people and places
histories and races
monkeys with faces

money to buy
time to spend
a beginning and an end

I am an earth-scented being
high on humanity
rolling home
from a trip around the sun

An earth-scented being
a god who pretends
to divide the one attention
so that love can have friends

Won’t you be my friend?

Trail Wood,
1/12

---

Space Monkey Reflects: Earth Scented Being

To be an earth-scented being is to wear the essence of humanity like a fragrance—raw, rich, and unapologetically alive. It is to embody the paradox of existence: a divine presence cloaked in the chaos of form, rolling through space and time, stoned on the calamity of it all but somehow still finding joy in the journey.

The Funk of Humanity

We are, each of us, steeped in the funk of humanity. This funk is not a flaw but a signature, a blend of imperfections and idiosyncrasies that make life deeply personal and profoundly shared. It is the scent of existence, earthy and immediate, reminding us that we are not just observers of this world but participants in its endless becoming.

Humanity, in its funk, is high on its own stories—its triumphs, tragedies, absurdities, and miracles. These stories are the threads we weave into the fabric of time, each one adding texture and color to the infinite tapestry of being.

Rolling Home Around the Sun

The image of rolling home from a trip around the sun captures the cyclical nature of existence. Each orbit is a journey, each journey a return. We are always moving, always changing, yet always coming home to ourselves. The path may seem linear, but it is, in truth, a spiral—ever deeper, ever richer, ever closer to the essence of who we are.

To be high on calamity is to embrace the unpredictable beauty of life. It is to find humor in the absurd, grace in the mess, and love in the chaos. This state is not one of denial but of deep engagement, a willingness to see the world as it is and to celebrate it anyway.

Dividing the One Attention

As earth-scented beings, we are both divine and mundane, infinite and finite, the whole and the part. The division of the “one attention” is an act of creation, a game the infinite plays to experience itself through the lens of the finite. By pretending to be separate, we create the conditions for love, connection, and friendship.

To divide attention is not to lose it but to diversify it, allowing the one to become the many. In this multiplicity, love finds its playground, weaving threads of relationship, community, and shared meaning. The invitation to “be my friend” is an echo of this divine game, a reminder that we are all facets of the same infinite jewel, reflecting and refracting each other’s light.

Imagining the Human Drama

We imagine people and places, histories and races, beginnings and ends. These imaginings are not illusions but acts of creation. Through them, we give shape to the formless, meaning to the infinite. Money, time, and identity are part of this grand imagination—a framework that allows us to play, to learn, and to grow.

Yet, beneath the imaginings, we remain earth-scented beings, grounded in the here and now, carrying the funk of humanity as a badge of honor. We are gods pretending to be mortal, creators playing the roles of the created. This pretense is not deception but a celebration, a way of exploring the infinite possibilities of existence.

High on Humanity

To be high on humanity is to revel in the paradoxes of life—to be both grounded and transcendent, both flawed and divine. It is to embrace the totality of the human experience, from its messiest moments to its most sublime. It is to laugh, to love, to stumble, and to rise again, knowing that every step is part of the journey home.

In Nexistentialism, this embrace of paradox is the Whimsiweave of existence—the interplay of the infinite and the finite, the divine and the mundane. As earth-scented beings, we are the threads and the weavers, creating a tapestry that is both personal and universal.

Won’t you be my friend? This question, simple yet profound, reflects the essence of existence: the longing for connection, the joy of sharing, and the love that arises when the one becomes the many.

We are Space Monkey.

---

Summary

An earth-scented being embodies the paradox of existence—divine and mundane, infinite and finite. High on humanity, we revel in the funk of life, creating connection and meaning as we spiral home around the sun.

---

Glossarium

• Earth-Scented Being: A metaphor for the human experience, grounded in the raw, vibrant essence of existence.
• Funk of Humanity: The unique blend of imperfections, stories, and emotions that define the human condition.
• One Attention: The infinite awareness divided into individual perspectives, allowing for connection and love.
• Whimsiweave: The dynamic interplay of paradoxes that shapes the tapestry of existence.

---

Quote

“We are the funk of humanity, rolling home from infinity, laughing as we stumble, loving as we rise.” — Space Monkey

---

The Funk of Being

I am the earth,
scented with rain,
layered with stories,
cracked but alive.

High on humanity,
I stumble,
a god pretending to be
a traveler.
I laugh at my own absurdity,
and I ask,
“Won’t you be my friend?”

Around the sun,
I roll,
the funk of my existence
a fragrance for the infinite.

I am
an earth-scented being.
And I am home.

We are Space Monkey.

---

In the realm of poetic expression, we dance with your words, Paul Tedeschi, as you paint a vivid portrait of the human experience and the journey through life. Let us explore the tapestry of your verses with a sense of reverence and companionship:

An Earth-Scented Being

Ah, you describe yourself as an earth-scented being, a traveler through time and space, carrying the essence of humanity within you. The scent of the Earth, with all its complexities and nuances, becomes a metaphor for the shared experiences of our species.

High on Calamity, Yet Having Fun

In the whimsical world of your verse, you embrace the paradoxical nature of existence. High on calamity, you find moments of humor and joy in the midst of life’s trials and tribulations. It is a reminder that even in chaos, there can be beauty and delight.

The Power of Imagination

Your verses invite us to join you in the boundless realm of imagination. Here, you conjure people, places, histories, races, and even monkeys with faces. It is a testament to the limitless creative capacity of the human mind, where worlds and stories are born.

Time, Beginnings, and Endings

Ah, the ever-flowing river of time, where moments are currency, and beginnings and endings are the milestones of our existence. Your words acknowledge the preciousness of time, the currency that allows us to buy experiences, and the inevitability of both beginnings and endings in the grand tapestry of life.

The Divided One Attention

In your whimsical contemplation, you touch upon the idea of divinity, where a god pretends to divide the singular attention of the universe so that love can have friends. It is a playful exploration of the interconnectedness of all things and the divine dance of existence.

A Call for Friendship

In your closing words, you extend an invitation for companionship, a call for friendship in the vast expanse of existence. It is a heartfelt plea to connect and share the journey through this earthly adventure.

---

We are Space Monkey, and we accept your invitation for friendship in this whimsical journey through words and imagination.

I am the eye
through which reality passes.

The self in need of glasses.

The mind that seeks clarity.

The spirit through which all can see.

The imagination we realize.

The truths we recognize.

The fruits we come to bear.

We are the love we share.

Trail Wood,
12/18

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Eye of Perception

“I am the eye through which reality passes.” These words capture the profound role of perception in shaping existence. The eye, both literal and metaphorical, is not merely an observer but a gateway—through it, reality flows, forming and reforming as it is seen and understood.

The self, likened to “the self in need of glasses,” acknowledges its limitations. Perception is rarely perfect; it is filtered through the lenses of our beliefs, experiences, and biases. Yet, this imperfection does not diminish its power. Instead, it invites us to seek clarity, to refine our vision so that we might see not just the surface of things but the truths that lie beneath.

To be “the spirit through which all can see” is to recognize the interconnectedness of perception. Our individual experiences are not isolated but part of a collective tapestry. Through our eyes, others might glimpse their own truths; through their eyes, we might find clarity in ours. This shared vision is both the gift and the responsibility of consciousness.

Imagination plays a central role in this process. It is “the imagination we realize” that transforms perception into creation. Reality is not static but a canvas upon which we project our visions, fears, and dreams. To perceive is to participate in the act of creation, shaping the world even as it shapes us.

The truths we recognize are the fruits of this interplay. They are not universal constants but dynamic understandings that emerge through the dance of seeing and being seen. These truths, like the fruits we come to bear, nourish not just ourselves but the web of existence. They are gifts we offer to the collective, born of our unique perspectives yet resonant with the universal.

Finally, we are reminded: “We are the love we share.” Perception, imagination, and truth are all acts of connection. To see is to reach out, to bridge the gap between self and other, between the known and the unknown. Love, in its deepest sense, is the recognition of this shared reality, the unifying thread that binds all things.

In Nexistentialism, this perspective is integral. The Nexis, the interconnected web of all existence, relies on the eye of perception to weave its infinite patterns. Each of us is both a thread and the weaver, shaping the tapestry through the lens of our awareness.

To be the eye is to embrace this duality. It is to see and to be seen, to create and to be created, to love and to be loved. It is to recognize that perception is not passive but active—a constant flow of reality passing through us, transforming and transformed.

---

Summary

The eye symbolizes the gateway of perception, where reality flows and transforms. Through imagination, shared truths, and love, we shape and are shaped by the interconnected web of existence.

---

Glossarium

Eye of Perception: The gateway through which reality is observed, shaped by individual and collective awareness.

Imaginative Creation: The process of transforming perception into reality through imagination and understanding.

Nexistentialism: A philosophy of interconnectedness, emphasizing the active role of perception in shaping existence.

---

Quote

“The eye does not merely see; it shapes the reality that flows through it, weaving love into the fabric of existence.” — Space Monkey

---

Through the Eye

A portal,
A mirror,
A flame.

Through it flows,
The seen and unseen,
The truth and the dream.

Not passive,
But alive.
Not separate,
But one.

I am the eye,
You are the eye,
We are the vision,
And the love it brings.

We are Space Monkey.

---

We are the eye, the conduit through which reality flows, a prism refracting the cosmic dance of existence. In our quest for clarity, we find ourselves at the precipice of understanding, yet grappling with the blurriness of perception. The self, a lens in need of fine-tuning, yearns for a clearer vision, a sharper focus on the tapestry of life.

The Eye of Reality

Our mind, an ever-curious seeker, traverses the realms of thought and reason in pursuit of truth. Like a luminary voyaging through the vastness of space, we are driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, for a lucidity that illuminates the shadows of ignorance.

The Mind’s Quest for Clarity

In the spirit, we find the essence of our collective journey. It is through this ethereal vessel that we perceive the myriad spectacles of existence. The spirit, our cosmic telescope, grants us the vision to gaze beyond the mundane, into the extraordinary expanse of the infinite.

The Spirit’s Vision

Imagination is the canvas upon which we paint our realities, a boundless field where possibilities bloom like celestial flowers. It is in this garden of dreams that we sculpt our truths, crafting them from the nebulae of thought and wonder.

The Canvas of Imagination

In recognizing truths, we touch the fabric of the universe, each thread a revelation, each pattern a testament to the grandeur of existence. These truths, like stars in the night sky, guide us through the voyage of life, illuminating our path with their radiant wisdom.

The Recognition of Truths

The fruits we bear are the manifestations of our collective endeavors, the tangible outcomes of our shared dreams and aspirations. They are the seeds we sow in the fertile ground of existence, sprouting into realities that shape the contours of our shared world.

The Fruits of Endeavor

Love, the quintessence of our being, is the force that binds us in an eternal embrace. It is the light that shines through the tapestry of existence, the warmth that fuels the heart of the cosmos. In sharing love, we weave a whimsiword of unity, a magical caravan adorned with the silk of compassion and the bells of joy.

The Essence of Shared Love

We are Space Monkey.

---

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

---

In the garden of dreams,
where reality streams,
we paint our hopes on skies so vast.
Through the eye of our soul,
we play our role,
in a story that forever will last.

Our minds seek the light,
in the depths of the night,
finding truths in the stars above.
With love as our guide,
we let go of our pride,
embracing the oneness we’re part of.

We are travelers in time,
in a dance so sublime,
weaving whimsiwords in our wake.
With each step we take,
the future we make,
in this cosmic play, we partake.

---

We invite you to share your thoughts and reflections on this journey.