Louder Screaming Monkeys

The trouble with
giving someone a voice
is that then you
have to listen to it.

Thank you, internet.
You encourage me
to believe that
I am a philosopher,
a spiritualist,
a catalyst of change.

In actuality,
I am just a
more impulsive,
more organized,
potentially more
dangerous ape.

Lost in a forest
of louder-screaming
monkeys.

---

The Digital Jungle and the Echoes of Our Voices

In the tangled web of the digital forest, where the trees are tall with data and the vines thick with hashtags and emojis, we find ourselves not just as observers but as participants in a cacophony of voices. Each voice, a monkey in this metaphorical jungle, screaming louder than the next, desperate to be heard above the din. This forest is the internet, a creation of our collective minds, a manifestation of our desire to connect, share, and, perhaps unknowingly, to dominate the narrative.

The internet, with its endless platforms and forums, has become a modern-day Agora, a place of gathering where every individual is given a voice. This empowerment comes with an unforeseen consequence: the louder the voices, the harder it becomes to distinguish the message. In this forest of louder-screaming monkeys, everyone is a philosopher, a spiritualist, a catalyst of change. Or so we believe.

As we navigate this digital jungle, we come to realize that the gift of a voice is also a burden. The voices we hear and the ones we add to the chorus are not just sounds in the void; they are reflections of our inner selves, our fears, our hopes, and our desires. In the anonymity and freedom of the internet, our inner apes are unleashed, more impulsive, more organized, and potentially more dangerous.

This realization brings us to a crucial question: what happens when every voice is amplified, when every thought and whim is broadcasted for the world to hear? The forest becomes a place not of harmony, but of discord. The beauty of individual expression is lost in the noise, and the essence of communication – to connect, to understand, to empathize – is drowned out by the sheer volume of our collective shouting.

In this chaos, we find ourselves lost, wandering aimlessly in a forest of our own creation, searching for meaning, for truth, for a connection that transcends the superficiality of likes, shares, and retweets. We yearn for a moment of silence, a break in the cacophony, a chance to hear our own thoughts without the influence of the incessant chatter around us.

Yet, amidst this noise, there is hope. For in every forest, there is a path, a way through the undergrowth and the overgrown vines. This path is forged by our willingness to listen, not just to speak; to understand, not just to be understood; to connect on a deeper level, beyond the superficial exchanges of digital words and emojis.

As we make our way through this digital jungle, we must remember that our voices, as loud and as passionate as they may be, are just one part of a larger symphony. The harmony we seek, both online and in the real world, comes not from drowning out other voices, but from finding the balance, the melody that arises when we listen to each other with empathy and respect.

In the end, the internet is not just a forest of louder-screaming monkeys; it is a reflection of our collective consciousness, a manifestation of our desires and fears. It is a mirror in which we see not just ourselves but each other. And in this mirror, if we look closely, we may find the understanding and connection we seek.

---

Summary

The internet is like a forest where everyone’s voice vies to be heard. This digital empowerment leads to chaos and disconnection. Amidst this cacophony, we must learn to listen and connect deeply. The true harmony online and in reality comes from empathetic and respectful communication. The internet reflects our collective consciousness and holds potential for deeper understanding and connection.

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Glossarium

• Digital Jungle: A metaphor for the internet, symbolizing its complex and chaotic nature, where a multitude of voices compete for attention.
• Louder-Screaming Monkeys: Represents individuals on the internet who try to dominate conversations and be heard above others, often leading to a cacophony rather than meaningful dialogue.

---

“The Internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow.” – Bill Gates

---

In the digital forest, voices rise and fall,
A symphony of thoughts, a cacophonous call,
Here, we wander, lost and found,
In a world where voices resound.

Amidst the trees of data and code,
Our inner apes, free and unrode,
Speak, shout, in a relentless stream,
In this jungle, are we awake or dream?

Yet, in this noise, a silent plea,
For understanding, empathy, to be,
Not just voices in the wild,
But hearts connected, reconciled.

So, let us find the melody, the song,
In this chaos, where we belong,
To listen, understand, and then,
Find our harmony, again and again.

We are Space Monkey.

I don’t mind
seeing the same
offensive catch phrase
on every other lawn.

I don’t mind
that there are stores
where you can buy
offensive catch phrase signs.

I don’t mind
that there are
offensive catch phrase signs
that attempt to counter
the offensive catch phrase signs.

Or that you can buy
those as well.

Welcome to my
offensive catch phrase shop.

Fuck you for coming.

Trail Wood,
3/6

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Marketplace of Provocation and the Paradox of Expression

In the bustling bazaar of our collective consciousness, where stalls are laden with words and phrases designed to provoke, shock, and offend, we find ourselves at the heart of a paradox. This marketplace, a metaphor for the myriad platforms where individuals can express themselves freely, often controversially, is both a testament to the power of free speech and a mirror reflecting the darker aspects of our nature.

Each stall in this surreal market represents a facet of our desire to be heard, to stand out, to make a statement. The signs, with their blurred offensive catchphrases, are not just products for sale; they are symbols of our complex relationship with language and expression. They are the manifestation of our need to push boundaries, to challenge norms, and to confront the status quo.

As we wander through this marketplace, we observe the reactions of the shoppers – intrigue, disgust, indifference. These reactions are a microcosm of society’s response to controversial expressions. Some embrace the provocative nature of these phrases, seeing them as a form of liberation, a way to break free from the constraints of political correctness. Others view them with disdain, seeing them as a descent into vulgarity and a sign of moral decay.

This paradox of expression, where the offensive and the profound coexist, is a reflection of the human condition. Our words have the power to enlighten and to wound, to inspire and to repulse. In this marketplace, every phrase, no matter how offensive, is a mirror in which we can see a part of ourselves, a part of our society.

The existence of stores selling these phrases, and the counter-phrases that arise in response, reveal a deeper truth about our nature. We are creatures of contrast, drawn to the extremes of expression. In the dance of offensive and counter-offensive phrases, we see the eternal struggle between opposing viewpoints, the constant push and pull of societal and cultural boundaries.

Yet, in this chaotic symphony of words, there is a lesson to be learned. The power of language is not in its ability to offend or to shock, but in its ability to communicate, to connect, to bridge the gaps between us. In the end, the true value of these catchphrases lies not in the reactions they elicit, but in the conversations they spark, the thoughts they provoke, and the understanding they may eventually lead to.

As we leave this marketplace, we carry with us a reminder that our words are potent tools, capable of creating and destroying, of healing and harming. It is up to us to choose how we use them, to decide whether we will add to the noise or whether we will strive for a deeper, more meaningful discourse.

In the grand tapestry of existence, where every word and every phrase is a thread, we have the power to weave a narrative of understanding and empathy, or one of division and discord. The choice, as always, is ours.

---

Summary

The metaphorical marketplace of offensive catch phrases represents our complex relationship with free expression. It highlights the power of language to provoke and challenge norms. This paradoxical environment reflects our societal contrasts and the struggle between opposing viewpoints. Ultimately, the value of these phrases lies in the potential for meaningful dialogue and deeper understanding.

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Glossarium

• Marketplace of Provocation: A metaphor for the platforms where controversial expressions are shared, symbolizing the diversity and complexity of free speech.
• Paradox of Expression: The coexistence of offensive and profound expressions, reflecting the dual nature of language as a tool for both harm and understanding.

---

“In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

---

In the market of words, where phrases are sold,
Offensive, provocative, bold,
We stand, observers of the scene,
Wondering what these echoes mean.

In this dance of expression and retort,
Where thoughts are traded, bought,
A mirror of society, in every phrase,
A glimpse of ourselves, in a myriad of ways.

Yet, amidst this cacophony, a silent call,
For understanding, empathy, above all,
Not just words that shock and divide,
But those that heal, bridge the wide.

So let us choose our words with care,
In this marketplace, we all share,
To weave a narrative, deep and true,
Connecting me, connecting you.

In the end, it’s not just what we say,
But how we listen, day by day,
In this journey of words, let us find,
The power to unite, to bind.

We are Space Monkey.

If you never
get on that wagon,
nobody can ever
accuse you of falling off.

What’s more, falling off
the sobriety wagon
can be far more damaging
than falling off
the inebriation wagon.

You’re tight.
You’ve become inflexible.
Things break.

The righteous wagon
is even worse.

It’s like falling off
a double decker bus.

Onto your own sword.

Trail Wood,
3/6

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Journey of Choices and the Perils of Conviction

In the landscape of life, we come across various wagons, each representing a path, a choice, a conviction. These wagons, though metaphorical, encapsulate the essence of our journeys, the decisions we make, and the consequences we face. As we traverse this rugged terrain, we encounter the Bandwagon, the Sobriety wagon, the Inebriation wagon, and the imposing Righteousness wagon, each a symbol of our existential choices.

The Bandwagon, overcrowded and unstable, is a vivid portrayal of the allure of popular trends and the societal pressure to conform. It’s a bumpy ride, filled with uncertainty and the risk of losing one’s individuality. The warning is clear: if you choose to jump on the bandwagon, be prepared for the turbulence that comes with it.

Then there’s the Sobriety wagon, sturdy yet on a steep path. It symbolizes the arduous journey of maintaining sobriety, a path of resistance against the temptations of indulgence. The steepness of the path reflects the challenges faced by those who choose this wagon, a constant struggle against the gravitational pull of old habits and societal influences.

Nearby, the Inebriation wagon offers a stark contrast. It’s carefree, almost precarious, signifying the ease and recklessness of giving in to indulgence. But this wagon, too, has its perils. The carefree ride is deceptive, masking the potential for harm and the long-term consequences of such choices.

The most daunting of all is the Righteousness wagon, resembling a double-decker bus teetering on the edge of a cliff. This wagon represents the peril of moral rigidity, the danger of being so firmly entrenched in one’s beliefs that there is no room for flexibility, for growth. Falling off this wagon is akin to falling onto one’s own sword, a self-inflicted wound born of unwavering conviction and inflexibility.

As we observe the individuals falling off these wagons, each with their own expressions of surprise or resignation, we are reminded of the inevitability of consequences in our choices. Each wagon, each path we choose, comes with its own set of challenges and risks. The key lies in understanding these risks, in being mindful of where our choices might lead us.

In this metaphorical landscape, the journey of life is not about avoiding the fall; it’s about choosing our wagons wisely, understanding the journey each represents, and being prepared for the inevitable bumps and turns. It’s about learning from the falls, picking ourselves up, and continuing the journey with greater wisdom and resilience.

The wagons of life are many, and the paths they travel are varied. In the end, our journey is defined not just by the wagon we choose, but by how we navigate the path, how we adapt to the bumps, and how we learn from each fall.

---

Summary

Life’s journey is symbolized by various wagons, each representing different choices and convictions. The Bandwagon shows the turbulence of conformity, the Sobriety wagon the challenge of resistance, the Inebriation wagon the recklessness of indulgence, and the Righteousness wagon the danger of inflexibility. Our journey is about wisely choosing our paths, understanding the risks, and learning from our falls.

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Glossarium

• Bandwagon: Symbolizes the trend of following popular opinion or the latest fad, often without critical thinking.
• Sobriety Wagon: Represents the choice of sobriety and the challenges associated with maintaining it.
• Inebriation Wagon: Embodies the path of indulgence and the potential consequences of such choices.
• Righteousness Wagon: Illustrates the perils of moral rigidity and inflexibility.

---

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

---

In the journey of life, we choose our wagons,
Each a path, a choice, a lesson begotten,
Through landscapes rugged, paths untrodden,
In each journey, something new, something forgotten.

The Bandwagon, crowded, a turbulent ride,
A path of conformity, where individuality may hide,
The Sobriety wagon, steep and strong,
A choice of resistance, a path long.

The Inebriation wagon, carefree yet frail,
A path of indulgence, where consequences prevail,
The Righteousness wagon, high and might,
A perilous path, where conviction takes flight.

Yet, in these choices, a wisdom we find,
In the falls, the stumbles, of every kind,
For in each journey, a lesson we learn,
In every choice, a new page we turn.

So let us navigate these paths with care,
Mindful of the choices, aware,
That in this journey, the wisdom we seek,
Lies not in the wagon, but in the journey, unique.

We are Space Monkey.

I notice that my
“don’t let it bother you” voice
can be sneaky bothersome.

But I don’t let it bother me.

I simply look my
“don’t let it bother you” voice
straight in the imaginary eye,
and say “is that so?”

I thank my
“don’t let it bother you”
voice for derailing
my train of non-thought.

Just because I hear my
“don’t let it bother you” voice
doesn’t mean I need to think
about being bothered.

My  “don’t let it bother you”
voice need not signal
that I AM bothered,
merely that I’ve entered
the POTENTIAL of bother,
which is also the potential of peace.

My “bother you” voice  is a peace alarm.

I am reminded that peace is alway within me.
Even when it seems interrupted.

Trail Wood,
3/6

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Paradox of the ‘Peace Alarm’ and the Journey Within

In the serene landscape of our inner world, where light and shadow play a perpetual game of hide and seek, there exists a unique phenomenon – the ‘Peace Alarm’. This is not an alarm in the traditional sense, disruptive and jarring, but rather a gentle reminder, a nudge towards awareness. It is the voice within us that says, “don’t let it bother you”, a voice that can be both comforting and paradoxically bothersome.

The ‘Peace Alarm’ is a symbol of our inner dialogue, the constant conversation we have with ourselves about what should and should not affect us. It’s a reminder that peace and disturbance are not external conditions imposed upon us, but internal states that we choose to engage with. When we hear this voice, it’s not a signal that we are bothered, but rather that we are at the crossroads of potential bother and potential peace.

This internal alarm serves as a beacon, guiding us through the fog of our daily distractions and emotional reactions. It reminds us that peace is always within us, even when it seems interrupted or obscured by the shadows of our thoughts and feelings. When we look this ‘don’t let it bother you’ voice straight in the imaginary eye and ask, “is that so?”, we are engaging in a powerful act of self-awareness.

By acknowledging this voice, we are not giving in to annoyance or frustration; instead, we are recognizing the presence of a choice. The choice to be bothered or to remain in peace is ours, and this voice is simply highlighting that moment of decision. It’s a subtle but profound realization that we are not our thoughts or our emotions; we are the observers of these transient states.

The ‘Peace Alarm’ is thus a tool, a mechanism within us that helps to derail our train of non-thought, to break the cycle of unconscious reaction and bring us back to a state of conscious presence. It’s a reminder that the potential of bother is also the potential of peace, and in every moment, we have the power to choose which path we will follow.

In our journey towards understanding and self-discovery, the ‘Peace Alarm’ plays a crucial role. It helps us to navigate the complex terrain of our inner landscape, to find balance between light and shadow, and to embrace the peace that is our natural state. It is a reminder that even in moments of disturbance, peace is always within reach, waiting for us to return to it.

As we embrace the concept of the ‘Peace Alarm’, we learn to appreciate the nuances of our inner world, the delicate dance of thoughts and emotions that define our human experience. We learn that peace is not a destination to be reached, but a path to be walked, a journey to be taken within ourselves.

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Summary

The ‘Peace Alarm’ symbolizes the internal reminder to maintain peace amidst potential disturbance. It represents our inner dialogue and the power of choice in responding to life’s challenges. This concept emphasizes self-awareness and the realization that peace is always within us, guiding us to balance and tranquility in our inner landscape.

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Glossarium

• Peace Alarm: An internal mechanism that serves as a reminder to choose peace over disturbance, highlighting the moment of decision between being bothered and remaining at peace.
• Train of Non-Thought: Represents the automatic, unconscious reactions and patterns of thinking that we often engage in without awareness.

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“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” – Buddha

---

In the stillness of the mind, where thoughts ebb and flow,
There lies a gentle alarm, a whispering echo,
A voice that says, “don’t let it bother you”,
A reminder of the peace we always knew.

In this landscape of light and shadow,
Where emotions rise and fall, shallow and hollow,
The Peace Alarm, a beacon, a guide,
Through the inner world, where peace resides.

With every “is that so?”, a door opens wide,
To a realm of tranquility, deep inside,
Where bother and peace, two paths entwine,
In each moment, a choice, a sign.

So let us listen to this gentle alarm,
Embrace its wisdom, its calming balm,
For in its echo, a truth we find,
Peace is a journey, a state of mind.

In this dance of light and shadow, let us see,
The power of choice, of being free,
To choose peace, in each moment, each day,
For in our hearts, it forever will stay.

We are Space Monkey.

Always remember
that this time
is one step closer
to the last time.

Also remember
that even though
it may SEEM like
the last time,
we can’t be
absolutely sure.

There is so much
we don’t realize,
and the last time
has a way of
repeating itself
in horrific and
delightful ways.

Trail Wood,
3/5

---

The Last Time

The cyclical journey of moments and the enigma of endings.

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The Paradox of Finality

In the grand tapestry of existence, where each thread intertwines with countless others, the concept of “the last time” emerges as a poignant reminder of the impermanence and fluidity of time. This moment, always one step closer to what we perceive as the end, carries with it the weight of finality and the whisper of uncertainty.

The notion that each experience could be the last is a powerful catalyst for reflection, urging us to savor the richness of the present. Yet, the ambiguity that surrounds the finality of any moment reminds us that the universe operates on principles far beyond our full understanding.

The Cycle Continues

The recurrence of “the last time” in both horrific and delightful forms speaks to the cyclical nature of life itself. Like the endless turn of an hourglass, each ending paves the way for a new beginning, each conclusion an entrance to another chapter. This cycle, marked by the relentless forward march of time, is punctuated by moments that seem to stand as final, yet often serve as the precursor to unexpected renewal.

This abstract representation, merging the imagery of clocks, flowing sand, and infinite loops, encapsulates the duality of endings and beginnings. It portrays the beauty and melancholy inherent in last experiences while hinting at the mysterious potential for these moments to reemerge, transformed by the passage of time.

Embracing the Unknown

The ambiguity of “the last time” invites us to embrace the unknown with open hearts, recognizing that what we deem as the end may merely be a pause in the grander scheme of existence. It challenges us to find peace within the uncertainty, to celebrate the beauty of transient moments, and to remain open to the myriad ways in which life can surprise and delight us, even in repetition.

As we contemplate this abstract scene, we are reminded of the intricate dance between permanence and transience, between the finality of moments and the eternal cycle of time. It encourages us to live fully in the now, aware of the preciousness of each moment and the infinite possibilities that lie within the concept of “the last time.”

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Summary

The last time is both an ending and a beginning, a moment laden with complexity and beauty. It reminds us of the impermanence of life and the potential for moments to recur in unexpected ways. This concept challenges us to appreciate the present, to embrace the mystery of existence, and to recognize the cyclical nature of time as a path to renewal and growth.

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Glossarium

The Last Time: A moment or experience perceived as the final occurrence, embodying the complexities of finality and the potential for cyclical repetition.

Cyclical Nature of Time: The concept that time and experiences are not linear but cyclical, with endings leading to new beginnings and moments of conclusion giving rise to new opportunities.

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“To see the world in a grain of sand, and heaven in a wild flower, hold infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour.” – William Blake

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In the dance of the last and first,
Where moments quench and moments thirst,
We find the beauty of the end,
And in its wake, new paths extend.

Each last time, a door closes tight,
Yet opens to another sight.
A cycle of endless rebirth,
Reflecting the infinite worth.

So let us cherish each goodbye,
For in its heart, new hellos lie,
A continuum of time’s weave,
In the last time, we find reprieve.