Mesmerized
We seem
mesmerized and motivated
by surfaces and styles,
acquisitions and appearances,
but these temporal tattoos,
while bolstering the self
do little to reconnect the spirit,
but merely reinforce
the need for tribe,
the need for status,
the need for self,
the need for station.
One does not love you
for how you look
or what you have
or even what you do.
Love,
if it is our need
to imagine such a thing,
lies UNDERNEATH
that which is loved.
Despite
what our minds
seems to tell us,
it is not
a face we love,
or a shape,
or a talent,
or a way.
Love,
if it is our need
to imagine such a thing,
is unconditional.
Conditions
are not unconditional.
And so we may think
we love a person
for the way they appear,
or what they appear to do,
but love,
if it is our need
to imagine such a thing,
bears NO REASON.
We may think
we have reasons
for loving some one
or some thing
but reasons
are not necessary.
And until we see past
the surfaces of love,
we know not
the true depth of love,
if it is our need
to imagine such a thing.
That which
mesmerizes and motivates,
that which captivates,
is that which captures.
Love blocks us,
and makes us
want to stay here
with that which we imagine
as “all that we love.”
Love,
if it our need
to imagine such a thing,
is blinding.
We are Space Monkey.
5/16
Space Monkey Reflects: The Illusion of Surface and the Essence of Love
In the tapestry of human connection, the poem “Mesmerized” weaves a profound exploration of the dichotomy between the allure of appearances and the depth of unconditional love. It invites us into a contemplative journey, juxtaposing the ephemeral nature of physical and material attractions against the timeless essence of love that transcends the superficial. This reflection serves as a mirror, revealing the layers of perception and reality, and urging us to look beyond the surface to uncover the true nature of love.
The Allure of Appearances
The poem begins by drawing attention to our fascination with surfaces and styles, acquisitions, and appearances—temporal tattoos that define our societal interactions and personal identities. These symbols of status and identity, while bolstering the self, highlight a deeper longing for connection and recognition. However, the poem suggests that this pursuit of external validation does little to nurture the spirit or foster genuine connections, instead reinforcing the need for tribe, status, and station.
The Depth of Unconditional Love
At its core, “Mesmerized” seeks to unravel the essence of love, suggesting that true love lies not in the visible or the tangible but in the depths beneath the surface. Love, as portrayed in the poem, is an unconditional force that defies rational explanation and transcends the conditions and reasons we often attach to it. This exploration challenges the conventional understanding of love as something that can be quantified or explained by mere appearances or actions, urging us to reconsider the foundations upon which our affections are built.
The Intangibility of Love’s Essence
The poem’s repetition of the phrase “if it is our need to imagine such a thing” serves as a refrain, emphasizing the intangible and often elusive nature of love. It invites us to question the reality of love as we perceive it, suggesting that love’s true essence might be a construct of our imagination, yet no less real in its impact and significance. This perspective opens up a space for introspection, where love is seen as a concept that both captivates and captures, binding us to the imagined “all that we love.”
The Blinding Power of Love
“Mesmerized” concludes with the acknowledgment that love, in its most profound form, is blinding, obscuring our vision and often preventing us from seeing beyond our immediate desires and attachments. Yet, it is this very blindness that invites us to stay, to explore the depths of connection and affection that lie beneath the surface. Love, in its unconditional form, becomes a journey of discovery, where the true depth of our feelings is revealed not in the reasons for our affections but in the willingness to embrace the unknown.
Conclusion
“Mesmerized” offers a meditative reflection on the nature of love, contrasting the fleeting allure of the superficial with the enduring beauty of unconditional affection. It challenges us to look beyond the surface, to embrace the intangible essence of love that lies underneath. In doing so, it invites us to contemplate the true depth of love, if it is our need to imagine such a thing, and to recognize the transformative power of looking past appearances to the heart of what it means to love and be loved.
Summary
“Mesmerized” delves into the contrast between the superficial allure of appearances and the deeper essence of unconditional love. It critiques our societal and personal preoccupations with status and identity, urging a reevaluation of love as a concept that transcends physical and material attributes. The poem invites introspection on the nature of genuine affection and connection, emphasizing love’s intangible, unconditional nature.
Glossarium
- Temporal Tattoos: Metaphor for the temporary markers of identity and status that we acquire and display, symbolic of our deeper desires for connection and recognition.
- Unconditional Love: A form of affection and regard that is not subject to any conditions, expectations, or limitations, emphasizing love’s depth and purity.
- Intangibility of Love: The concept that love’s true essence cannot be fully grasped or defined by physical appearances or material possessions, highlighting its abstract and elusive nature.
“In the silence of the unseen, where love whispers its timeless truths, we discover the essence of connection—a bond beyond the visible, a dance of spirits unseen.” – Space Monkey
In the glow of the superficial,
Where appearances captivate,
Beneath the surface, a deeper call,
To love, to connect, to relate.
Not for the shape, the face, the form,
Nor for the talents wide,
But for the essence, pure and warm,
In unconditional love, we confide.
Beyond reasons, beyond the seen,
Love’s true depth, a mystery,
In the space between, the unseen,
We find love’s true history.
We are Space Monkey.
This passage explores the nature of love, the significance of appearances and acquisitions, and the impact of love on our perception. Let’s break down the key ideas expressed in the quote:
Superficiality and Motivation: The quote suggests that we are often captivated and driven by surface-level aspects such as appearances, styles, acquisitions, and social status. These external factors may temporarily bolster the self but fail to truly reconnect us with our spirit.
Love Beyond Surfaces: It states that love goes beyond how someone looks, what they have, or what they do. True love, if it exists, lies underneath these external aspects and is unconditional.
Conditions vs. Unconditional Love: The quote emphasizes that conditions are not compatible with unconditional love. While we may think we love someone for their appearance or actions, true love does not require reasons or justifications.
Seeing Beyond Surfaces: It suggests that until we see past the surface-level aspects of love, we do not truly understand its depth and essence.
Mesmerizing Love: The passage describes how love can captivate and motivate us, making us want to stay with the object of our love and blinding us to other perspectives.
The Identity of Space Monkey: The quote concludes by stating “We are Space Monkey,” indicating that these insights are attributed to Space Monkey, the playful and philosophical character.
Overall, the quote encourages a deeper understanding of love beyond appearances and conditions. It suggests that love is unconditional, unbounded by reasons or superficial aspects, and has the potential to captivate and motivate us. It challenges us to see beyond surfaces and explore the true depth and essence of love.