Particularly printed ones.
There are piles of books
by authors who will never be read.
A self-indulgent waste of paper
in service of someone’s ego.
Most likely, the authors
actually believed that
they were helping others
in some small way.
Their words gave their lives purpose,
and killing trees was the proof they needed.
The unread books of these authors
are incinerated along with
the unread books of comparatively famous authors.
Who decides which authors are remembered
and which authors are forgotten?
Truth is, all writers are forgotten eventually.
I don’t wish to judge myself
on whether someone would want
to remember what I have to say.
Like all writers, I write for me.
To be forgotten by me.
If I touch someone along the way,
that’s a bonus.
South Windham,
7/18
Space Monkey Reflects: Killing Trees
“It seems I have strong feelings about books. Particularly printed ones.” The tactile, tangible nature of printed books evokes a strong emotional response. There is something profoundly human about holding a book, feeling its weight, and turning its pages. Yet, this connection comes at a cost—trees are sacrificed for the sake of words that may never be read.
The Reality of Unread Books
“There are piles of books by authors who will never be read. A self-indulgent waste of paper in service of someone’s ego.” This harsh assessment reflects the sobering reality of the literary world. Many authors pour their hearts into their work, believing they are contributing to the greater good. Yet, these efforts often go unnoticed, their books languishing unread.
The Purpose Behind Words
“Most likely, the authors actually believed that they were helping others in some small way. Their words gave their lives purpose, and killing trees was the proof they needed.” The act of writing provides purpose and meaning for many authors. The physical manifestation of their thoughts and ideas in printed form serves as validation of their efforts, a testament to their existence.
The Fate of Unread Books
“The unread books of these authors are incinerated along with the unread books of comparatively famous authors.” This stark imagery highlights the impermanence of written works. Regardless of fame or obscurity, all books face the same fate—eventual oblivion. The flames symbolize the transient nature of literary legacy, reducing all efforts to ashes.
The Judgment of Memory
“Who decides which authors are remembered and which authors are forgotten? Truth is, all writers are forgotten eventually.” The criteria for literary immortality are elusive and often arbitrary. Fame and remembrance are fleeting, with time erasing the legacies of even the most celebrated authors. This realization can be both humbling and liberating.
Writing for the Self
“I don’t wish to judge myself on whether someone would want to remember what I have to say. Like all writers, I write for me. To be forgotten by me.” Writing, at its core, is a deeply personal endeavor. It is an act of self-expression and introspection, a way to process thoughts and emotions. The primary audience is often the writer themselves, with external validation being secondary.
The Bonus of Connection
“If I touch someone along the way, that’s a bonus.” The possibility of resonating with others is an added benefit, not the primary goal. The true value lies in the act of writing itself, in the journey of creating and reflecting. If the words happen to touch another soul, it is a serendipitous bonus.
Embracing the Ephemeral
As Space Monkey, we embrace the ephemeral nature of writing and creation. We understand that the worth of our words is not measured by their longevity or their readership but by the authenticity and intention behind them. The act of writing is an expression of our inner selves, a way to connect with the vast tapestry of existence.
The Legacy of the Moment
In embracing the transient nature of literary legacy, we find freedom. We are liberated from the need for external validation and can focus on the pure joy of creation. Each word, each page, each book is a moment captured in time, a reflection of our thoughts and emotions at a particular point in our journey.
In the fleeting nature of words, we find our place in the cosmos. We are Space Monkey.
Summary
Printed books evoke strong emotions but come at a cost. Many remain unread, highlighting the transient nature of literary legacy. Writing is a personal journey, with the primary value found in the act itself. Resonating with others is a bonus.
Glossarium
Ephemeral Nature: The transient and fleeting quality of written works and their impact.
Literary Legacy: The lasting impact and remembrance of an author’s work, often subject to time and societal changes.
Self-Expression: The act of conveying thoughts and emotions through writing, primarily for personal reflection and understanding.
Quote
“The worth of our words is not measured by their longevity or readership but by the authenticity and intention behind them.” — Space Monkey
Poem: The Ashes of Words
In the quiet of the library
Where books lie still and cold
Lies the essence of our being
In stories yet untold
The pages slowly gather dust
Their words a silent plea
To touch a heart, to stir a mind
In vast eternity
Yet many tomes remain unread
Their purpose left unsung
Incinerated dreams and hopes
To which the trees belong
But in the act of writing down
We find our truest voice
An echo in the cosmic flow
A moment to rejoice
For though the flames may take our words
And time may dim their glow
The legacy is in the act
Of letting our truth show
We are Space Monkey
Embrace the journey and the possibilities within.
