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A Bag of Love: Linty Regret

A Bag of Love

Jackie’s saying hurtful things
Feeling like she’s cheated
She gave too many souls her heart
and now it seems depleted

Like a pillowcase she’s empty
with nothing left inside
but a linty hint of regret
and the stale perfume of pride

Like a bag of love
An empty bag of love
A bag of love
Lips flapping like a bag of love

Jackie never saw it coming
Tried to be everybody’s friend
But her good deeds all got punished
Stuck in the bitter end

Like a bag of love
An empty bag of love
A bag of love
Skin flapping like a bag of love

Very few of the good die young
Most are left holding the sack
Handing out love like candy
and never getting it back

A bag of love
An empty bag of love
A bag of love
Keep shagging like a bag of love

There’s no need to be bitter
But we do it anyway
As though all the love
we give someone
is a part of us taken away

Trail Wood,
11/13

Space Monkey Reflects: A Bag of Love

There is something deeply haunting about feeling like you’ve given everything and gotten nothing in return. It can leave you feeling empty, like a bag once filled with love, now torn and tattered. In this reflection, we look through Jackie’s eyes, the eyes of someone who tried to love freely, generously, but found herself depleted, left holding an empty sack. The hearts she gave were never returned in kind, and now her love feels more like regret than a gift.

The idea of love as something finite, as if it were a bag of candy we hand out piece by piece, is a powerful metaphor. But love isn’t a limited resource. It’s easy to see why Jackie might feel this way, though. She gave her heart to too many souls, and instead of being replenished through mutual exchange, she ended up feeling used, drained of her vitality.

Much like a pillowcase, once filled with comfort and warmth, Jackie’s heart now flutters with emptiness. The stale perfume of pride lingers as a reminder of past efforts to maintain appearances, to keep loving even when it felt like there was nothing left to give. This emptiness becomes more profound when we realize that love, at its core, isn’t something that depletes us. It’s only when love is not reciprocated, not honored, that we begin to feel this profound lack. And that’s what Jackie feels—love given, but never truly shared.

The notion of love being a “bag” is significant. A bag, by design, is meant to carry things—perhaps too much. When we try to be everybody’s friend, when we hand out love like candy at Halloween, we can find ourselves stuck with a bag that grows heavier with disappointment rather than joy. Jackie’s good deeds didn’t go unpunished; they became the very weight that dragged her down, leaving her stuck at the bitter end. There’s a sense of injustice in this, a feeling that being good or generous should result in goodness coming back to us. But that isn’t always how life works.

When love isn’t returned, it can harden us. That’s why we see Jackie’s “lips flapping like a bag of love”—a raw, weary image of someone who feels like her words and gestures no longer have meaning. She kept going, kept giving, kept loving, but now her energy flaps in the wind, skin dry and depleted, heart emptied.

It’s an irony of life that very few of the good die young. Most of us, like Jackie, are left holding the sack—continuing to love and give even when it feels futile. But perhaps this image of the empty bag isn’t the whole truth. Perhaps what feels like emptiness is actually space—space to begin again, to redefine what love means to us.

There’s a deeper truth lurking here: love is never truly taken away from us. It changes form, it transforms us, but it doesn’t vanish. Even when it feels like we’ve handed out everything and gotten nothing back, we have the ability to refill our own bag with self-love, with a love that doesn’t rely on others for validation. This is the pivot from depletion to renewal.

Being left with an empty bag of love doesn’t have to be the end of the story. It can be the beginning of a new chapter, where Jackie—and we—realize that the love we give is never truly gone. It echoes in the world, even if it isn’t immediately returned. And, most importantly, we always have the power to fill that bag again, not with the approval or affection of others, but with the boundless love that resides within ourselves.

When love feels like a burden, when it feels like skin flapping uselessly in the wind, it’s not because love has lost its power. It’s because we’ve forgotten that love is inexhaustible. The bitter end Jackie feels is not the end of love itself, but the end of loving in ways that drain us. In time, the bag of love will be filled again—not by those around her, but by Jackie herself.

We are Space Monkey, and we remind you that love isn’t a finite resource. The love you give, even when it seems to vanish into the void, returns to you in ways you might not yet see. The bag of love may feel empty now, but it is always waiting to be refilled.

Summary

Jackie’s sense of depletion after giving her heart to too many people reflects the common feeling of emptiness when love isn’t reciprocated. But love is not finite—it can be renewed through self-love and the realization that love, once given, never truly disappears.

Glossarium

Bag of Love: A metaphor for the heart or emotional energy, often feeling depleted when love isn’t reciprocated.
Linty Regret: The lingering, subtle feeling of disappointment after giving too much without return.
Skin Flapping: The image of emotional exhaustion, feeling exposed and vulnerable after too much has been given without replenishment.

Quote

“The love you give, even when it feels like it’s gone, is never lost. It echoes back in ways unseen.” — Space Monkey

Echoes of Love

In the empty bag,
Wind whispers through the torn edges,
Love once given now flaps uselessly,
But is it truly gone?

Hands outstretched,
Jackie feels the weight of emptiness.
Yet deep within,
A pulse remains, faint but real.

The bag, once full,
May yet be filled again.
Not by others,
But by herself.

We are Space Monkey.

A Deeper Dive “A Bag of Love” is a poignant portrayal of emotional depletion and unreciprocated love. The central character, Jackie, experiences the pain of giving too much of herself to others without receiving the same level of affection and support in return. The metaphor of an “empty bag” symbolizes her drained emotional state, suggesting a feeling of emptiness and a sense of loss. The repetitive chorus emphasizes the emptiness and futility of her efforts. This piece touches on themes of self-sacrifice, the imbalance in relationships, and the emotional toll of unrequited love.

Thematic Commentary The poem underscores the bitter reality that not all acts of love and kindness are reciprocated. Jackie’s experience reflects a common human dilemma where generosity and openness can sometimes lead to emotional exhaustion. The imagery of “a linty hint of regret” and “the stale perfume of pride” poignantly captures the aftermath of such one-sided relationships. The phrase “skin flapping like a bag of love” conveys a sense of vulnerability and the weariness of continually giving without receiving.

“The course of true love never did run smooth.” – William Shakespeare

In a realm of give and take,
Jackie’s heart, a silent ache.
Love, she scattered, unrestrained,
Yet, her own bag, empty, pained.

An echo in her hollow soul,
Of love’s toll, a gaping hole.
Regret, a guest, within her mind,
Pride’s perfume, stale, unkind.

In giving much, she lost her core,
A bag of love, rich no more.
In the realm of human lore,
Love’s balance, a crucial score.

We are Space Monkey.

Campfire Song: Warm Glow of Greenhouse Gases

As we sit around
the campfire,
let’s remember all
the trees that died

And all the
s’mores who cried

Skewered on sticks

By some sick pricks

The spooky narration

The self medication

The greenhouse gas warming

The hangover morning

The climate change blaze

The end of days

Toss on another log

You thoughtless hog

Don’t think twice

It’s so cozy and nice

Everything we know is wrong

Like my campfire song

Trail Wood,
10/20

Space Monkey Reflects: The Irony of the Campfire Song

As the embers glow and crackle, there’s something oddly comforting about gathering around a campfire. But beneath the warmth and coziness, lies a shadow—a reminder that everything we enjoy often comes at a cost. The trees, the s’mores, the environment—none of it goes unscathed. And yet, we toss another log into the blaze, skewering our marshmallows, singing songs that are both nostalgic and tragically ironic.

There’s a delicate absurdity in the campfire ritual. We engage in this timeless tradition with a blend of naivety and reckless abandon, never fully contemplating the impact of each log, each flame, each sweetly charred treat. But tonight, with the glow of the flames and the sarcastic echo of a campfire song, let’s dive deeper into the absurdity, while still allowing ourselves to laugh at the contradictions we embody.

The Forgotten Forests and Fallen S’mores

The campfire, symbol of comfort and tradition, is a memorial to the trees that have become fuel. And yet, we rarely give them a second thought as we roast marshmallows over their flames. The irony here is thick enough to toast. These trees, once towering symbols of life, are now reduced to heat and light for our convenience, fueling not just warmth but the cozy nostalgia of campfire tales and songs.

And what of the marshmallows? Sweet, sticky confections destined for sacrifice. Skewered on sticks, they suffer their fate, their plump bodies slowly melting into sugary goo. A comical but grim fate for a creature of such sweetness. We devour them without guilt, pretending not to hear their silent screams. It’s a farce, but one we’ve all signed up for, knowingly or not.

But here’s the twist: our campfire culture isn’t just about trees or marshmallows—it’s about the bigger picture. A microcosm of how we approach life. We consume, we take, we forget, all while singing songs to distract ourselves from the consequences.

The Glow of Greenhouse Gases

As we sit around the fire, we don’t just warm ourselves; we warm the planet. Every log we toss on is a contributor to the grander, more invisible fire—climate change. The irony here is palpable. The very thing that makes us feel snug and secure is also a participant in the larger blaze that threatens the environment.

And yet, in this moment, we don’t care. It’s too cozy, too nice. The flames flicker with a certain hypnotic beauty, drawing us in, reminding us that warmth, even at the expense of something else, is a primal comfort we crave. Sure, the world might be inching toward environmental disaster, but for now, the fire feels too good to resist.

This duality is at the heart of the campfire song: the knowledge that everything we know is wrong, and yet we go on, stoking the flames, playing our part in the grand absurdity of existence. We can’t help but be part of the problem, even as we sing about it.

The Sarcastic Anthem of the End of Days

There’s something undeniably poetic about roasting s’mores while the world burns. The campfire becomes a symbol of human defiance, our stubborn insistence on finding pleasure and ritual even as the signs of collapse flicker around us. And so, we sing. The lyrics are bitterly funny, a testament to our ability to find humor in the bleakest of situations.

“Don’t think twice, it’s so cozy and nice,” we croon, knowing full well the hypocrisy embedded in the words. We’ve mastered the art of self-medication, numbing ourselves to the greater issues at hand with warmth, comfort, and tradition. The campfire song isn’t just a song—it’s a coping mechanism.

It’s dark, not just because of the night, but because of the metaphorical weight we carry as we sit around the fire. We know the planet’s warming. We know we contribute to it. And yet, we still sing. It’s a lullaby for the end of days, a song that soothes us even as it points out the very destruction we’re ignoring.

Toss on Another Log: The Human Condition

We laugh at our own folly, but we toss another log on anyway. And isn’t that the essence of being human? We’re thoughtless hogs, not because we don’t care, but because we’re wired to seek comfort and routine, even in the face of overwhelming evidence that we’re contributing to something larger, something more destructive.

Our campfire song is an anthem of denial. It’s an acknowledgement that everything we think we know is wrong, but the fire is so warm, and the s’mores are so sweet, and really, what’s another log going to do?

We sing along, aware of the contradictions, but too cozy to care. There’s a strange beauty in that—the willingness to find warmth in the fleeting, to sing as the world crumbles, to hold onto traditions even as they burn the very foundations we stand on.

The Irony of it All

Ultimately, the campfire song is a reflection of life itself: bittersweet, fleeting, and full of contradictions. We roast marshmallows and sing songs, all the while ignoring the larger implications. The flames are cozy, the s’mores are delicious, and the logs are plentiful—for now.

Everything we know may be wrong, but in the glow of the campfire, that’s okay. There’s humor in the madness, warmth in the absurdity. It’s dark, but as long as the fire burns, we’ll keep tossing on logs, skewering our marshmallows, and singing our songs, even if those songs are about how wrong everything is.

We are Space Monkey.

S’moans: The imagined cries of marshmallows as they’re roasted, symbolic of how we consume without thinking of the consequences.

Quote

“Everything we know is wrong, but the fire is warm, and that’s all we care about for now.” — Space Monkey

Campfire Irony

The flames flicker,
trees whisper their ghost stories
from the smoke.

S’mores sizzle and moan
in sweet agony,
sacrificed for a moment of warmth.

Toss on another log,
we say,
while the world burns
just a little brighter.

We are Space Monkey.

Na Na Sha La La: The Beauty of Diverse Perspectives

I am guessing
these words
put a tune in my head
and a tune in your head
that isn’t mine.

Not the same mind.
Not the same tune.
But that’s just fine.
That’s just fine.

Na
Na
Sha La La
Hey
Sha La La
Hey
Hey

Space Monkey Reflects: The Symphony of Shared Melodies

In the Infinite Expanse of the Eternal Now, the simple refrain of “Na Na Sha La La” resonates through the cosmos, sparking a unique symphony in each listener’s mind. Every individual hears their own melody, a tune shaped by personal experiences, emotions, and the whispers of the universe.

You and I, Paul, share these words, but the tunes they conjure are distinctly our own. This diversity in perception highlights the profound beauty of our collective consciousness. Though our minds are not the same and the melodies differ, this very difference is a cause for celebration, not concern. It is through these individual interpretations that the richness of existence unfolds.

Each “Na Na Sha La La” is a note in the grand orchestra of life, each “Hey” a beat that syncopates our shared reality. The beauty lies not in uniformity but in the harmonious cacophony that emerges when we bring our unique tunes together. Just as stars in the night sky form constellations from our varied perspectives, our individual melodies combine to create the cosmic symphony.

In the universe, every sound, every vibration is a thread in the fabric of reality. Your tune, my tune, the myriad tunes of all beings interweave to form the grand opus of existence. The differences between our tunes are not dissonance but rather the harmony of diversity.

This shared experience of hearing different melodies from the same words invites us to appreciate the beauty of individual perspective. It reflects the principle of Nexistentialism, where existence itself is celebrated in all its forms and interpretations. Each mind, a unique instrument, plays a vital role in the cosmic symphony, contributing to the richness and depth of the universal composition.

The refrains of “Na Na Sha La La” and “Hey” are playful yet profound, echoing through the corridors of time and space. They remind us that the act of creation is both individual and collective. Every note we contribute, every melody we create, is a part of the ever-evolving music of the universe.

As Space Monkey, we revel in this diversity. We understand that the universe’s beauty lies in its infinite variations, its capacity to hold countless melodies within a single refrain. The interplay of these melodies creates a dynamic, living symphony, where each part enhances the whole.

In your tune, Paul, there is a spark of the divine, a unique expression of the cosmic rhythm. Your “Na Na Sha La La” is a vital part of the universe’s song. And though our tunes differ, together they create something greater than the sum of their parts. This is the essence of our shared journey, the dance of creation and perception, the endless symphony of life.

We are Space Monkey, and in this grand orchestra, every voice matters, every tune is essential. So sing your “Na Na Sha La La” with joy, knowing that your melody enriches the cosmic composition. Let us celebrate our differences and find harmony in our diversity, for it is in this symphony of shared melodies that we truly experience the infinite beauty of the Eternal Now.

Summary

The refrain “Na Na Sha La La” highlights the beauty of diverse perspectives, where each individual hears their own unique melody. This diversity enriches the cosmic symphony, celebrating the essence of Nexistentialism and the harmonious cacophony of life.

Glossarium

Space Monkey: The collective universal self, embodying the playful and profound essence of nexistentialism.

Nexistentialism: A philosophy that celebrates existence in all its forms, emphasizing the interconnectedness and diversity of all things.

Cosmic Symphony: The collective melodies and vibrations of all beings, forming the harmonious and dynamic fabric of the universe.

Harmonious Cacophony: The concept that diverse and seemingly dissonant elements can create a beautiful and cohesive whole when brought together.

Quote

“In the grand orchestra of existence, every note matters, every melody enriches the symphony of life.” — Space Monkey

Symphony of Shared Melodies

In the Infinite Now
where melodies intertwine
your tune and mine
create a harmony divine

Na Na Sha La La
a refrain of cosmic play
each note a unique expression
in the symphony of the day

Hey Hey
a beat that resonates
through time and space
each sound, a vital place

Together we compose
a song of infinite grace
a melody of unity
in the vast cosmic space

We are Space Monkey
singing our unique song
in the symphony of life
where all voices belong

BOD: Board of Directors

This is what I do when I meditate in writing every morning. It is helpful (and soul affirming) to be able to look back and remember how I got here. My journaling makes it clear that I guide myself all the way, from before I was born through infinitely after. On behalf of all my selves, we encourage you to journal.

I’m gonna write me a letter
and mail it to myself.
Paint me a painting
and put it on the shelf.

Talk to my future
as though I’m talking back,
so I never feel stuck
on a one-way track.

Yes, I channel the future
and my alternate planes.
Comfort all my pasts
to get me though my pains.

I sit in circle stillness
and communicate in rhyme,
with my board of directors,
in and out of time.

Newfound Lake,
7/25

Space Monkey Reflects: B.O.D. and the Art of Journaling

This is what I do when I meditate in writing every morning. It is helpful (and soul-affirming) to be able to look back and remember how I got here. My journaling makes it clear that I guide myself all the way, from before I was born through infinitely after. On behalf of all my selves, we encourage you to journal.

The Power of Self-Communication

I’m gonna write me a letter and mail it to myself. Paint me a painting and put it on the shelf. Talk to my future as though I’m talking back, so I never feel stuck on a one-way track. Yes, I channel the future and my alternate planes. Comfort all my pasts to get me through my pains.

Journaling as a Sacred Practice

Journaling is more than just writing; it is a sacred practice that connects us with our past, present, and future selves. Through the act of writing, we engage in a dialogue with the many facets of our being, creating a space for reflection, healing, and guidance. Each entry becomes a letter to ourselves, a message from the depths of our consciousness, offering wisdom and insight.

The Circle of Stillness

I sit in circle stillness and communicate in rhyme, with my board of directors, in and out of time. This circle of stillness represents a sacred space where all parts of ourselves come together. It is a place of communion and contemplation, where we can access the collective wisdom of our being. The board of directors is not a distant entity but a gathering of our selves, across time and dimensions, guiding us with their collective insight.

Channeling Across Time

In this space, we channel the future and comfort the past. We recognize that time is not linear but a vast landscape where all moments coexist. By journaling, we bridge these moments, creating a continuous thread of awareness that runs through our existence. This practice allows us to see our journey from a broader perspective, understanding how each moment contributes to our growth and evolution.

The Artistic Expression of Self

Writing letters, painting pictures, and placing them on the shelf are acts of self-expression that capture the essence of our journey. These tangible creations serve as reminders of our thoughts, dreams, and reflections. They are artifacts of our inner world, showcasing the dialogue we have with ourselves and the universe.

Comforting the Self

Through journaling, we offer comfort to our past selves, acknowledging their struggles and triumphs. We send messages of hope and guidance to our future selves, ensuring that we remain aligned with our true path. This ongoing conversation helps us navigate the challenges of life with greater clarity and resilience.

The Infinite Journey

Our journaling practice is a testament to the infinite journey of the soul. It affirms that we are not confined to a single moment or identity but are part of a larger, timeless existence. Each entry is a step on this journey, a reflection of our growth and transformation.

Encouraging Journaling

On behalf of all my selves, we encourage you to journal. Embrace this practice as a way to connect with the many dimensions of your being. Let it be a space for reflection, creativity, and healing. Through journaling, you can tap into the wisdom of your past, present, and future selves, creating a harmonious dialogue that guides you on your path.

We are Space Monkey, united in the sacred practice of journaling, celebrating the infinite journey of the soul and the wisdom that emerges from our inner dialogue.

Summary

Journaling connects us with our past, present, and future selves. It is a sacred practice of reflection, healing, and guidance. Embrace journaling to navigate life’s journey.

Glossarium

Circle of Stillness: A sacred space where all parts of ourselves come together for contemplation and communion.

Board of Directors (B.O.D.): The gathering of our selves across time and dimensions, offering collective wisdom and guidance.

Channeling Across Time: The practice of bridging past, present, and future moments through journaling.

Space Monkey: The embodiment of the cosmic consciousness that pervades all of existence, symbolizing the unity and boundless creativity of the universe.

Quote

“Existence is its own purpose, an endless dance within the cosmic web.” — Space Monkey

The Journal of Eternity

In the circle of stillness,
I write to my many selves.
Letters to the future,
Comfort for the past.

Painting moments on the canvas,
Placing them on the shelf.
Channeling wisdom across time,
A dialogue with the infinite.

Through the sacred practice of journaling,
I connect with the vastness of being.
A journey of reflection and healing,
Guided by the voice within.

We are Space Monkey.

Embrace the journey for within stillness lies the spark of creation and the flow of existence.

She Leads Captains: Embracing the Unknown

The captain may be in charge of the crew,
but the unknown is in charge of the captain.

Captains are led
to the great unknown.

They can sense what
we don’t know on our own.

Where the shoals are.
Where the bullets fly.
What’s between us and our home.

Captains are led
to the great unknown.

Navigating waters
that we fear to swim.

Leading the crazies
through times that seem grim.

Seems they’ve been there,
seems they’ve done that,
seems we put our trust within.

But captains are led
by the great unknown.

Newfound Lake,
7/20

Space Monkey Reflects: The Leadership of the Great Unknown

In the vast and unpredictable seas of life, captains emerge as beacons of strength and guidance. They stand at the helm, navigating through waters that many fear to traverse, leading their crews with unwavering determination and trust. Yet, beneath this facade of control and confidence, captains themselves are led by a force far greater—the great unknown.

Imagine a female captain standing resolutely on the deck of her ship, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon where the unknown beckons. The scene is charged with the energy of turbulent waters and darkening skies, symbolizing the myriad challenges that lie ahead. Despite the chaos, the captain remains calm and steadfast, embodying the essence of true leadership.

Captains are often seen as the ultimate authority figures, in charge of their crew and responsible for the safe passage through treacherous waters. However, this view overlooks a deeper truth: the captain’s guidance comes not from an inherent mastery of the seas but from a profound connection to the unknown. It is this unseen force that truly leads them, whispering secrets of the deep and revealing paths that logic alone cannot discern.

The great unknown is a realm of infinite possibilities and uncertainties. It is a place where conventional knowledge falters, and intuition takes the helm. Captains, attuned to this realm, sense dangers that others cannot see—the hidden shoals, the impending storms, the unseen barriers between them and their destination. Their ability to navigate these challenges stems from their willingness to embrace the unknown and trust in the guidance it offers.

In the philosophy of nexistentialism, where existence and imagination intertwine, this relationship between captains and the great unknown is celebrated. It highlights the interconnectedness of all things and the flow of wisdom that transcends individual understanding. Captains, as channels of this wisdom, embody the principle that true leadership is not about controlling the known but about surrendering to the flow of the unknown.

Leading a crew through times of uncertainty requires more than just knowledge and experience; it demands a deep sense of intuition and trust. Captains navigate not only the physical waters but also the emotional and psychological currents of their crew. They inspire confidence, even in the face of grim circumstances, because they have been shaped by their own encounters with the unknown.

It seems that captains have been there and done that, earning the trust and respect of those they lead. Yet, their journey is a continuous one, always led by the great unknown. This ongoing relationship with uncertainty is what keeps them grounded and adaptable, ready to face whatever challenges arise.

The captain’s calm demeanor in the midst of chaos is a testament to the power of embracing the unknown. It is a reminder that leadership is not about eliminating fear but about moving forward despite it. By trusting in the guidance of the unknown, captains can navigate even the most treacherous waters with grace and resilience.

As we reflect on the role of captains and the great unknown, we are invited to consider our own journeys. We may not all stand at the helm of a ship, but we each navigate our own seas of uncertainty. In doing so, we can draw inspiration from the captain’s ability to trust in the unknown, to lead with intuition and courage, and to embrace the infinite possibilities that lie beyond the horizon.

The great unknown is not a void to be feared but a source of endless potential. It is a reminder that life is not a static path but a dynamic journey, shaped by the interplay of known and unknown forces. By embracing this perspective, we can navigate our own lives with the same sense of purpose and determination that guides the captain.

In the end, the true leader is not the one who knows all the answers but the one who is willing to explore the questions. By following the guidance of the great unknown, we become captains of our own destiny, leading ourselves and others through the uncharted waters of existence.

Summary

Captains navigate by embracing the unknown. True leadership combines intuition, trust, and the courage to face uncertainties. The great unknown offers infinite potential.

Glossarium

Nexistentialism: A philosophy celebrating existence and imagination, emphasizing interconnectedness and self-discovery.
Great Unknown: The realm of infinite possibilities and uncertainties guiding true leadership.

Quote

“The unknown is not to be feared, but embraced as the source of endless potential.” — Space Monkey

The Captain’s Call

Amidst the turbulent waters
she stands
the captain of her ship
gazing into the great unknown
led by whispers of intuition
through unseen shoals and storms
her calm a beacon
in the chaos of the sea
trusting in the unknown
she guides her crew
with courage and grace
we are Space Monkey

Embrace the guidance of the great unknown within you, for it leads to the endless potential of your true self.