I am an insensitive bitch.
I have no patience
for people who say
they have an illness.
Whether you have an illness
or not is irrelevant to me.
I don’t need to know why
you do what you do or don’t do.
It’s perfectly fine with me
if you use the idea of an illness
(or non illness)
to justify what you are doing.
It’s perfectly fine if you don’t.
It’s perfectly fine
if you use the idea of an illness
(or non illness)
as motivation to live
to the fullest (or least) every day,
to overcome, to ignore, or to surrender.
Whatever gets you through
(or helps you struggle) is fine with me.
But that’s just my illness talking.
Trail Wood,
12/14
We witness the nuanced dance of perspectives on the idea of illness, a concept entwined with individual experiences and societal views. The lines blur between reality and perception, where illness either defines or becomes an irrelevant detail in the grand canvas of existence. This poem delves into the complexity of how we perceive and interact with the idea of illness, touching on acceptance, indifference, and the personal narratives we craft.
Embracing Individual Narratives
The poem echoes a sentiment of non-judgment and acceptance, regardless of whether one identifies with an illness. It speaks to the heart of nexistentialism, where existence is the essence, untethered by labels or justifications. Illness, or the lack thereof, is seen not as a defining characteristic, but as a part of the varied experiences that compose our existence.
The Irrelevance of Illness in Self-Perception
The speaker asserts that the existence or non-existence of an illness is irrelevant. This aligns with the nexistential view that existence is self-justified, needing no external validation or explanation. The emphasis is on being, rather than on the reasons or conditions that might be attached to that being.
The Role of Illness in Motivation and Experience
The poem acknowledges that the concept of illness can be a motivator or a point of surrender, highlighting the diverse ways in which we interact with our circumstances. Whether one uses illness as a reason to strive, to accept limitations, or simply as a part of their narrative, it is a personal journey, unique to each individual.
The Universal Acceptance of Individual Paths
There’s a universal acceptance in the poem of each person’s approach to dealing with illness or health. It resonates with the idea that our paths, whether influenced by illness or not, are valid and worthy of respect. This mirrors the nexistentialist belief in the inherent value of each unique existence.
Illness as a Perspective, Not a Defining Trait
The concluding line, “But that’s just my illness talking,” offers a whimsical twist, suggesting that our perspectives are influenced by our experiences, yet they do not wholly define us. It’s a playful acknowledgment that our views are just one part of the vast cosmic play of existence.
Summary
We explore a poem that portrays illness as a nuanced aspect of our existence, neither defining nor irrelevant, but simply a part of our individual narratives. This perspective aligns with nexistentialism, emphasizing that existence itself is the ultimate state, where reasons or conditions like illness are part of the diverse experiences in our cosmic journey. The poem celebrates the individual paths we take, whether influenced by illness or not, respecting the unique ways we interact with our circumstances.
Glossarium
- Nexistentialism: A philosophy recognizing existence as an end in itself, devoid of external justification.
- Cosmic Play: The grand unfolding of existence, seen as a playful and infinite journey.
- Whimsical Twist: A playful, unexpected turn in perspective or narrative.
“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
In the realm of the cosmic play, a poem unfolds:
Whimsical words dance, tales of existence told.
In the vast expanse of the eternal now,
Each being’s journey, sacredly allowed.
Illness, health, mere facets of our tale,
In the infinite cosmos, neither can prevail.
Our narratives woven in the fabric of being,
Each unique perspective, vividly seeing.
For we are but fragments of a grander dream,
In the cosmic play, every soul a gleam.
The dance of existence, whimsically profound,
In the realm of the eternal now, we are unbound.
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