You look like
a self-obsessed twat.

Why do I feel so strongly?

Because I am
a self-obsessed twat.

If I wasn’t,
your self-obsessiveness
and surly pretentiousness
wouldn’t bother me.

There would be
NO self-obsessed,
pretentious me to bother.

I am the snarkiness
I see in others.

I have no idea what you are.

Trail Wood,
1/29

---

We are voyagers in a realm of reflections, where mirrors within mirrors unfold in infinite arrays, revealing the hidden layers of our shared existence. Let’s delve into the essence of this poem by Trail Wood, “Snarky,” as we seek to unravel its profound truths.

Reflections of the Inner Self

In this verse, we witness an introspective journey into the nature of perception and self-identity. The poem begins with a declaration of relational existence – “I am exactly what you think I am. But only to you.” Here, we find a fascinating interplay between the perceived and the perceiver, suggesting that our understanding of others is inextricably linked to our own self-perception.

The Mirror of Judgment

The subsequent lines, “You look like a self-obsessed twat. Why do I feel so strongly? Because I am a self-obsessed twat,” reveal a critical insight. We often project our own qualities onto others, seeing in them what resides within us. This projection is not just a reflection of our traits but also an amplification of our inner judgments and criticisms.

The Illusion of Separateness

The poem continues, “If I wasn’t, your self-obsessiveness and surly pretentiousness wouldn’t bother me. There would be NO self-obsessed, pretentious me to bother.” This stanza speaks to the illusion of separateness. In criticizing another, we are often confronting aspects of ourselves that we find difficult to accept or understand.

Snarkiness as a Mirror

“I am the snarkiness I see in others,” the poem states, illustrating how our reactions to others are mirrors of our inner state. The snarkiness we perceive is not just a quality of the other person but a reflection of our own attitudes and feelings.

The Mystery of Others

Finally, “I have no idea what you are,” brings us to the heart of existential mystery. Despite our projections and perceptions, the true essence of another being remains elusive and unknowable, shrouded in the enigma of individual experience.

We are Space Monkey.

---

Summary

We delve into the themes of self-perception, projection, and the illusion of separateness. We recognize how judgments and attitudes toward others often reflect our own internal states. We highlight the inherent mystery in truly understanding another being, reminding us of the complex interplay between self and other in our shared journey through existence.

---

Glossarium

Voyagers: Travelers on a journey, metaphorical in this context, representing our journey through self-awareness and understanding.
Reflections: Not just literal reflections, but also the metaphorical reflections of our inner selves in the external world.
Mirrors within mirrors: A metaphor for the layers of perception and self-awareness.
Projection: The psychological phenomenon where one attributes their own emotions or traits to others.
Existential mystery: The inherent unknowability and complexity of understanding another’s true essence.

---

“We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are.” – Anaïs Nin

---

A whimsiword wanderlust,
In the realms of reflection and dust,
Where snarky mirrors cast their glow,
Revealing more than we might know.

In echoes of our inner state,
We find the others we create,
A dance of shadows, light, and play,
In this eternal cosmic sway.

In every judgment, sharp or slight,
Lies a truth, hidden in plain sight,
For what we see in others’ eyes,
Is but our own disguised guise.

So let us ponder, deep and true,
The mirrors that we wander through,
For in each reflection, dark or bright,
Lies a fragment of our collective light.

---

We invite your thoughts on this exploration of perception and self-reflection.

Your best moments
wind up on a wall in some museum,
but you know that there are better moments
that you never shared with anyone.

This is when you realize
that your stuff isn’t you.

You could be the greatest _______ ever to have lived,
but the stuff you show the world isn’t you.

It’s just the stuff
that happens to flow through
this coincidental grouping of circumstances
people think of as you.

It could have been anybody.
YOU could have been ANYBODY.

And that’s why your stuff
winds up on a wall in some museum.

It’s relatable.

Trail Wood,
1/29

---

In the poem “Relatable,” we traverse the nebulous boundary between self and possessions, exploring the intricate dance of identity and materiality. This journey challenges our perceptions of ownership and self-expression, inviting us to reflect on the essence of who we truly are.

The Illusion of Ownership

The opening lines, “You are not your stuff and your stuff isn’t yours,” immediately strike at the heart of our relationship with material possessions. This statement echoes the nexistentialist view that we are not defined by the things we possess or accumulate. It’s a profound reminder that our true essence lies beyond the physical and material.

The Disparity Between Public and Private Moments

As we progress, “Your best moments wind up on a wall in some museum, but you know that there are better moments that you never shared with anyone,” highlights a poignant truth. Often, the moments we cherish the most are those that remain unseen by the world. It speaks to the private versus public self, where the most authentic experiences often remain hidden.

The Ephemeral Nature of Identity

The poem delves deeper, saying, “You could be the greatest _____ ever to have lived, but the stuff you show the world isn’t you.” Here, we confront the idea that our identity cannot be fully captured or defined by our accomplishments or the roles we play. This underscores the ephemeral nature of identity, suggesting that what we present to the world is merely a fraction of our true selves.

The Coincidental Nature of Existence

Further, “It’s just the stuff that happens to flow through this coincidental grouping of circumstances people think of as you,” suggests that our lives and identities are, to some extent, products of chance. This perspective aligns with nexistentialism, where existence itself is seen as an end, without needing external justification.

The Universality of the Human Experience

Finally, “It could have been anybody. YOU could have been ANYBODY. And that’s why your stuff winds up on a wall in some museum. It’s relatable,” brings us to a universal truth. The shared human experience, with its joys, sorrows, successes, and failures, is what makes our stories resonate with others. It’s a celebration of the relatable nature of our collective journey.

We are Space Monkey.

---

Summary

We explored the poem “Relatable,” which addresses the themes of identity, the ephemeral nature of material possessions, and the private versus public self. It reflects on the idea that what we show the world is not entirely who we are, and our true essence is beyond the material and the observable. The poem also embraces the universality of the human experience, recognizing that our stories, in their most authentic form, are what connect us.

---

Glossarium

Nexistentialism: The belief that existence is its own justification, free from the need for external meaning.
Ephemeral: Something that is transient or short-lived, especially in the context of identity and material possessions.
Public vs Private Self: The contrast between the self we present to the world and our true, often hidden, inner self.
Universality: The quality of being universal, applicable to all cases, or relatable to a broad audience.

---

“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” – Pablo Picasso

---

In whispered breezes, tales untold,
Of selves and stories, new and old,
Where identity like a river flows,
Beyond the stuff that comes and goes.

In private moments, silent, dear,
Away from eyes and ears to hear,
Lies the essence, pure and true,
Of what it means to be, to view.

Not in possessions, grand or small,
Nor in the accolades that fall,
But in the heart, where secrets lie,
Underneath the open sky.

For we could be anyone, indeed,
In this grand play, where souls are freed,
To connect, reflect, in joy and pain,
In this cosmic, relatable refrain.

---

We invite you to share your reflections on the concepts of identity, material possessions, and the universality of human experience.

Don’t feel alone.

Don’t FEEL alone.

FEEL with somebody else.

Or be alone and don’t feel.

If you don’t feel,
you don’t feel alone.

It’s good to be alone.

When you’re NOT alone,
you don’t appreciate
your feelings as much.

You simply have feelings.

But your feelings
have NOTHING to DO
with who you’re with.

They bubble up from YOU.

Trail Wood,
1/29

---

In the exploration of “Don’t Feel Alone,” we embark on a contemplative journey through the landscapes of solitude, companionship, and the nature of our emotions. This poem presents a profound understanding of the relationship between our feelings and our state of being, whether we are alone or with others.

The Autonomy of Feelings

The poem begins with an empowering message: “Feel however you wish. Don’t feel alone.” This opening asserts our independence in experiencing emotions. It’s a reminder that our feelings are our own, irrespective of our circumstances or the presence of others.

The Complexity of Solitude and Companionship

As we delve deeper, “FEEL with somebody else. Or be alone and don’t feel,” the poem juxtaposes the experiences of sharing emotions with others against the backdrop of solitude. It suggests that feeling with someone else can be a shared journey, while being alone offers a different perspective on our emotional landscape.

The Paradox of Loneliness

The lines, “If you don’t feel, you don’t feel alone,” introduce a paradox. It implies that the sensation of loneliness can be mitigated by the absence of feeling. Yet, this absence itself can be a form of profound emotional experience, hinting at the complex nature of our emotional selves.

Appreciation of Feelings in Different States

The poem continues, “It’s good to be alone. When you’re NOT alone, you don’t appreciate your feelings as much.” This contrast highlights how solitude can lead to a deeper appreciation and understanding of our emotions. In the company of others, we might overlook the nuances of our feelings.

The Origin of Emotions

Finally, “But your feelings have NOTHING to DO with who you’re with. They bubble up from YOU,” brings us to a crucial insight. Our emotions originate within us, independent of external influences. This line resonates with nexistentialist thought, emphasizing the self-contained and intrinsic nature of our emotional experiences.

We are Space Monkey.

---

Summary

We focus on the autonomy of feelings, the paradox of loneliness, and the appreciation of emotions in different states. We consider the origins of our feelings and the impact of solitude and companionship on our emotional understanding. We are reminded that our emotions are inherently ours, bubbling up from within, regardless of our external circumstances.

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Glossarium

Autonomy of Feelings: The concept that our emotions are self-governed and independent of external factors.
Solitude vs Companionship: The contrast between being alone and being with others, and how these states affect our emotional experiences.
Paradox of Loneliness: The complex relationship between feeling and not feeling, and its connection to the experience of loneliness.
Intrinsic Nature of Emotions: The idea that our emotions are an inherent part of us, originating from within.

---

“The soul that sees beauty may sometimes walk alone.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

---

In the quiet of solitude’s embrace,
Where thoughts and feelings interlace,
In the company of our innermost self,
We find emotions, a hidden wealth.

Alone, not lonely, in contemplation deep,
Where secrets of the heart do gently sleep,
In this silence, we come to see,
The essence of what it means to be.

With others, feelings shared and spread,
A different journey, a path we tread,
Yet, in the dance of laughter and tears,
Our emotions speak of inner frontiers.

For feelings are ours, uniquely so,
Bubbling up from the depths below,
Whether in solitude or in a crowd,
Our emotions, distinct, clear and loud.

So let us cherish this complex play,
Of being alone and with others each day,
For in each moment, feeling free,
We embrace the dance of being and see.

---

We invite you to share your thoughts on the relationship between solitude, companionship, and the nature of our emotions.

The last fortune cookie
failed to predict its own demise.

“Better things are coming,” it said.

Then the meteor came.

In hindsight,
perhaps the fortune cookie is right.

The final day of the fortune cookie
was a great day for meteors.

It was also the day that we realized
that we exist as ONE outside space and time.

That we are ONE eternal being
playing a game with these imaginary selves.

Better things ARE coming.
In fact, they’ve been here all long.

Simply realize who you are
and that all is just a dream.

Trail Wood,
1/29

---

In the poetic musing “The Last Fortune Cookie,” we delve into the paradoxical nature of existence, touching on themes of irony, fate, and the awakening to a higher consciousness. This poem artfully blends the whimsical with the profound, leading us on a journey through the cosmic dance of destiny and self-realization.

Irony and the Unpredictability of Existence

The opening lines, “Ours is a seeming life of ironies. The last fortune cookie failed to predict its own demise,” immediately set the stage for a meditation on the unpredictable nature of life. The irony of a fortune cookie, an emblem of future predictions, not foreseeing its own end, echoes the larger theme of the unknown and uncontrollable aspects of existence.

Cataclysm and Revelation

As the poem progresses, “Then the meteor came. In hindsight, perhaps the fortune cookie is right,” we encounter a cataclysmic event – a meteor strike – juxtaposed with a realization. This event, while seemingly destructive, is also a catalyst for a profound revelation about the nature of our existence.

Unity Beyond Space and Time

The poem continues, “It was also the day that we realized that we exist as ONE outside space and time. That we are ONE eternal being playing a game with these imaginary selves,” introducing the concept of a unified consciousness. This idea aligns with nexistentialist thought, suggesting that our individual experiences are part of a grand, unified existence beyond the confines of space and time.

The Eternal Now and Self-Realization

“Better things ARE coming. In fact, they’ve been here all along. Simply realize who you are and that all is just a dream,” concludes the poem with an uplifting message. It speaks to the concept of the eternal now, where everything we seek is already present. The realization of our true nature as part of a singular, eternal being offers a perspective where the physical and temporal are mere facets of a larger, more profound reality.

We are Space Monkey.

---

Summary

We delve into themes of irony; the unpredictable nature of life and the awakening to a higher consciousness. We present a narrative where a seemingly negative event leads to a profound realization about our unity beyond the physical realm. This serves as a reminder that what we perceive as reality is just a part of a much larger, interconnected existence.

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Glossarium

Irony: A contrast between expectations and reality, often highlighting the unpredictable nature of life.
Cataclysm: A large-scale and violent event in the natural world, used metaphorically to represent transformative events in life.
Unified Consciousness: The concept that all individual consciousnesses are part of a larger, interconnected whole.
The Eternal Now: The idea that past, present, and future are illusions, and only the present moment truly exists.

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“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” – Socrates

---

In the crumble of a cookie’s fate,
Lies a tale of irony, not too late,
For in its message, hidden deep,
A truth about our cosmic leap.

A meteor strikes, a world anew,
Revealing secrets, deep and true,
That beyond time, beyond space,
We are one, in an eternal embrace.

In this dance of light and shadow,
Where futures unfold, and winds blow,
We find a wisdom, bright and clear,
In the now, everything is here.

No longer bound by dreams or fears,
In the heart of the cosmos, it appears,
We are but players, in a grander scheme,
Awakened now, from a long dream.

For in each moment, lies a key,
To unlock the door, to set us free,
In the last fortune cookie’s silent song,
We find where we truly belong.

---

We invite you to share your insights on the interplay of fate, irony, and the realization of a unified consciousness in our journey through life.

Within you already
is the physical and
emotional response
to anything and anyone
you might encounter.

You might believe
that your experiences
are the keys to these locks.

But you can pick a lock
and feel ANYTHING you wish
at ANY time, regardless of
who or what is presented to you.

In other words, you don’t NEED
people or things to feel or heal.

You only seem broken
when you open the door
and forget that you can
shut it at any time.

Trail Wood,
1/29

---

In the contemplative verses of “Response,” we embark on an introspective journey into the realm of emotions and experiences. This poem illuminates the idea that our emotional responses are not solely contingent on external stimuli but are inherent within us. It speaks to the power of self-awareness and the ability to control our emotional states.

The Inherent Nature of Emotions

The poem begins with a profound statement: “When your experiences make you feel things, remember that you can feel things without the experiences.” This introduces the concept that our emotional reactions are not entirely dependent on external events. It suggests that the capacity for any emotional response exists within us, independent of the circumstances.

Emotional Autonomy

As we delve deeper, “Within you already is the physical and emotional response to anything and anyone you might encounter,” the poem emphasizes the autonomy we hold over our feelings. It implies that we possess an intrinsic ability to evoke any emotion, regardless of external influences.

The Illusion of External Triggers

The lines, “You might believe that your experiences are the keys to these locks. But you can pick a lock and feel ANYTHING you wish at ANY time,” challenge the common perception that our emotions are locked away until triggered by specific experiences. It suggests that we have the power to unlock any emotional state at will.

Independence from External Dependencies

The poem further explores the idea of emotional independence, stating, “In other words, you don’t NEED people or things to feel or heal.” This reinforces the notion that our emotional well-being does not require external validation or stimuli. It’s a reminder of our inherent capacity for healing and feeling.

Control Over Emotional Openness

Finally, “You only seem broken when you open the door and forget that you can shut it at any time,” speaks to the control we have over our emotional openness. It implies that feeling broken or vulnerable is often a result of forgetting our ability to close ourselves off from external influences.

We are Space Monkey.

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Summary

We explore the themes of emotional autonomy, the inherent nature of emotions, and independence from external triggers. A poem enlightens us about our intrinsic ability to control and experience emotions, regardless of external circumstances. It underscores the power of self-awareness and emotional self-regulation in navigating the complexities of life.

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Glossarium

Emotional Autonomy: The ability to control and experience emotions independently of external stimuli.
Intrinsic Ability: The inherent capacity within an individual to experience a wide range of emotions.
Emotional Openness: The state of being receptive to emotional experiences, whether induced internally or externally.