If I live to be a hundred
I hope I pay mind
to the joys of days becoming
back when I was 99

May the milestones bow
to the pebbles sublime
all the joys of days becoming
back when I was 99

I don’t need to advance
just appreciate the dance
grateful for every gesture
abundant in every glance

I don’t need any gifts,
I’ve gotten more than a sample
through the friends who find
inspiration in my example.

If I live to be a hundred
I’ll remember to pay mind
to the joys of days becoming
back when I was 99

For Alison Davis

Trail Wood,
6/9

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Timeless Dance of Life at Ninety-Nine

In the waning light of what some might call the twilight years, there lies a profound clarity that only the passage of nearly a century can bestow. The story of a person at ninety-nine is a tapestry woven with threads of myriad experiences, each a fleeting moment that has lingered long enough to become a memory, cherished and revisited in the quiet solitude of later years.

The essence of such an age is not merely in the accumulation of years but in the depths of reflection it invites. To be ninety-nine is to stand on the precipice of a monumental milestone—turning a century—yet finding the greatest joy not in the anticipation of the hundredth year but in the reverie of all the years that came before. It is a dance of time where each step taken, each twirl and pause, holds a weight that is both ephemeral and eternal.

In this dance, each moment is a pebble—seemingly insignificant on its own yet part of a sublime mosaic that forms the grand visage of one’s life. At ninety-nine, every little interaction, every simple pleasure, takes on a monumental significance. The smile of a friend, the comfort of a well-worn book, the familiar scent of a beloved’s perfume lingering in the air, are not just past times but are passages back to the essence of what it was to live fully and deeply.

The beauty of this age is that it does not clamor for more but rather sits content with what is. The person at ninety-nine does not seek further gifts or accolades but finds richness in the legacy of relationships forged and wisdom imparted. Their life itself becomes a beacon, not just for those who might remember them but for those who find inspiration in the example of appreciating ‘the dance’ of life, where every gesture, every look, carries the abundance of all that has been lived.

This stage of life teaches us that what matters most is not the number of days we live, but the life in our days. It reminds us that while we may all be dancers in the great ballet of existence, some dancers understand that the real beauty lies not in the spectacle but in the genuine, heartfelt expressions of life’s simplest pleasures.

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Summary
Reflecting on life at ninety-nine reveals a profound appreciation for the past. Every small moment and simple pleasure gains monumental significance. Life at this stage is less about seeking more and more about cherishing the connections and experiences that have been. The essence of ninety-nine is a celebration of the life lived and the wisdom gained.

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Glossarium

Pebble: In this context, a small yet significant moment or experience that contributes to the larger landscape of one’s life.

The Dance: A metaphor for life’s journey, emphasizing movement, rhythm, and the expression found in the everyday.

Twilight Years: A term often used to describe the later stages of life, characterized by reflection and synthesis of past experiences.

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Quote
“To know the dance is to appreciate each step, each turn, as an integral part of the whole. It is to live fully within every moment.” — Space Monkey

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At ninety-nine, each breath is a verse,
Each glance, a line of unwritten poetry,
In the quiet twilight,
Where shadows play with the fading light,
The dance continues, unhurried, wise,
Whispering secrets of the simple, the sublime.

We are Space Monkey.

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Space Monkey Reflects: Not Exactly Never Again – The Complexity of Resolve

The phrase “Not Exactly Never Again” embodies a curious paradox—a recognition of intention tempered by the understanding of life’s unpredictable nature. This expression, seemingly contradictory, invites us to explore the nuanced realities of human commitment and the fluidity of our resolves. It acknowledges that while we aspire to certain absolutes, the complexities of circumstances often lead us back to places we thought we had left behind.

In grappling with the concept of “Not Exactly Never Again,” we encounter the intricate dance between determination and adaptability. It suggests a commitment that is sincere yet acknowledges the inherent uncertainty of the future. This phrase can apply to personal vows, societal promises, or even global declarations, reflecting the struggle to uphold ideals against the relentless tide of changing contexts and evolving understandings.

At its core, “Not Exactly Never Again” is a humble admission of our limitations. It captures the human condition in its rawest form—the desire to improve, to not repeat past mistakes, and yet a concession to the inevitable fallibility of our judgments and decisions. This phrase does not signify failure but a mature acceptance that life is a series of attempts, each informed by the last, but none guaranteed to be the final word.

This reflection encourages us to consider the value of flexibility in our convictions. Rigid adherence to absolutes can often lead to disappointment or failure when confronted with new realities. Instead, embracing a more fluid approach to our resolutions—preparing to adapt and adjust—can offer a more sustainable path to growth and understanding.

“Not Exactly Never Again” also challenges us to reflect on the cycles in our lives. Just as nature flows through seasons, human experiences too are cyclical. We may find ourselves revisiting old habits, relationships, or ideologies, each time with a slightly different perspective, shaped by our accumulated experiences. These revisitations are not regressions but part of a spiraling journey of growth, where each loop brings us closer to our core selves, albeit with greater wisdom and insight.

Summary
The phrase “Not Exactly Never Again” captures the dynamic between firm resolve and life’s unpredictability. It reflects a mature acknowledgment that while we strive for improvement, our paths may lead us back through familiar territories. This recognition encourages a flexible approach to life’s challenges, enhancing our ability to adapt and grow with each cycle of experiences.

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Glossarium

• Not Exactly Never Again: A phrase that reflects the nuanced understanding that while intentions may be firm, the complexities and unpredictabilities of life can sometimes lead to revisiting past decisions.
• Fluid Convictions: Beliefs or decisions that are adaptable and open to modification in response to changing circumstances.

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Quote
“Embrace the cycles of life, for each return is not a retreat but a chance to refine our path with newfound wisdom.” — Space Monkey

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In the dance of never and again,
we find the steps of learning men,
Not exactly, yet not apart,
each cycle a chance to restart.

Waves that fold back upon the shore,
bring new treasures, not just lore.
In this ebb and flow of time,
each return is but a new climb.

We are Space Monkey.

This is no time for friction,
conflict or contradiction,
no, they can’t get you over
this strife.

And it’s no time for fiction,
just use your intuition,
and you might make it through
this life.

Trail Wood,
6/3

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Space Monkey Reflects: Navigating Life Beyond Friction

The essence of the poem “Friction” resides in its poignant call to eschew conflict and contradiction during turbulent times, urging a turn towards intuition as a means to navigate life’s challenges. This reflection delves into the symbolic interplay between chaos and calm, exploring how we might harness our inner wisdom to transcend the inevitable frictions of existence.

“Friction,” as depicted in the poem, is not merely physical but metaphorical, representing the internal and external conflicts that can disrupt our lives and cloud our judgments. The poem’s narrative asserts that in moments of strife, turning to conflict or contradiction is futile. Instead, it advocates for a more introspective approach where intuition can guide us through uncertainty.

This guidance is not about ignoring the challenges or conflicts we face but rather about choosing our battles wisely and focusing on what can be constructively changed. Intuition, often silenced by the noise of conflict, is portrayed as a more reliable navigator through the complexities of life. It beckons us to listen more deeply to our inner selves, where the whispers of wisdom are found.

The call to avoid “fiction” and rely on intuition suggests a stripping away of illusions and a commitment to authenticity. It invites us to confront reality as it is, not as we might wish it to be, enabling us to act with greater clarity and purpose. In doing so, we align more closely with our core values and principles, which act as a compass during tumultuous times.

Moreover, the poem encapsulates the universal struggle between discord and harmony, a dynamic tension that shapes human experience. By choosing intuition over friction, we open ourselves to new possibilities of living and interacting with the world. This choice does not guarantee an easy passage through life, but it does promise a more authentic and potentially fulfilling journey.

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Summary
The poem ‘Friction’ advises against engaging in conflict and contradiction during challenging times, promoting intuition as a guide. It highlights the importance of choosing constructive approaches and staying true to one’s inner wisdom to navigate life’s complexities.

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Glossarium

• Friction: Symbolic of life’s conflicts and contradictions, representing challenges that require intuitive navigation rather than confrontational approaches.
• Intuition: An inner wisdom that guides decisions and actions more effectively than conflict-driven impulses.

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Quote
“In the dance of life, let intuition lead, stepping lightly past the friction that seeks to impede.” — Space Monkey

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Amidst the storm, a calm so deep,
where whispers of intuition creep.
Beyond the clash, beyond the strife,
lies the subtle art of life.

Friction fades where insight flows,
on gentle currents, wisdom grows.
With every breath, a choice anew,
to follow what’s deeply true.

We are Space Monkey.

(SHE)
I want to be selfless
but now it is clear
that if I were selfless
I would simply disappear.

(ME)
I want to be saintly
and not quite so aintly
but for every act of love,
our motives come through faintly.

(SHE)
You were nice to me, as I recall.

(ME)
Actually, I only wanted your ball.

(SHE)
It feels nice to be
the object of affection.

(ME)
Actually, you’re a prop
for my selfish intention.

(SHE)
You are nice to me, I often recall.

(ME)
Actually, I only want to ball.

Trail Wood,
6/3

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Paradox of Selflessness in ‘Just Du-et’

The witty and thought-provoking dialogue of “Just Du-et” explores the intricate dance between selflessness and selfishness in human interactions. Through the interplay between SHE and ME, the piece delves into the perennial question of whether any human action is truly devoid of self-interest. This reflection examines the nuances of their exchange, revealing the layers of personal motive that underlie our interactions.

The dialogue opens with a philosophical musing on the nature of selflessness, suggesting that complete selflessness might lead to one’s existential erasure. SHE’s realization that being entirely selfless would mean disappearing reflects a deep existential dilemma: can one truly exist in society without any personal desires or motives?

As the exchange unfolds, ME humorously confesses that acts of kindness are often tainted with personal gain, even if subtly. The acknowledgment that every act of love carries a shadow of self-interest adds a layer of honesty to our understanding of human nature. This candid admission challenges the idealized notion of saintliness, suggesting that our actions are often a mix of altruism and personal benefit.

The dynamic between SHE and ME illustrates a broader social commentary on the transactional nature of relationships. Even when actions appear selfless, underlying motives—whether for emotional gratification, social gain, or tangible rewards—often play a significant role. The dialogue cleverly uses humor and candid admissions to underscore the complexity of navigating these interpersonal exchanges.

Ultimately, “Just Du-et” invites us to reconsider the definition of selflessness in human relationships. It proposes that perhaps true selflessness lies in recognizing and accepting the inherent selfishness in our actions. By doing so, we can approach our interactions with greater authenticity and understanding, acknowledging that our motives are a natural part of our human condition.

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Summary
The dialogue ‘Just Du-et’ humorously yet insightfully explores the intricate balance between selflessness and selfishness in human interactions, challenging the possibility of purely altruistic actions and suggesting a more nuanced understanding of human motives.

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Glossarium

• Selflessness: The quality of being concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with one’s own; often idealized as pure altruism in philosophical and ethical discussions.
• Transactional Nature of Relationships: A perspective that views interpersonal interactions as exchanges where both parties seek to gain something, challenging the notion of pure altruism.

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Quote
“In the theater of life, every act of kindness has its audience and script, revealing the play between selflessness and selfishness.” — Space Monkey

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In the dance of give and take,
where motives mingle, real or fake.
Just Du-et, play the part,
in the comedy of the heart.

She seeks to vanish in pure light,
He plays his role with selfish sight.
Together they twirl, in truth and jest,
in the endless quest, to pass love’s test.

We are Space Monkey.