So you come to our door,
asking for shelter,
explaining that you’ve
been cast out by the unreasonable.
You bad mouth your previous hosts,
question all credibility and compassion,
then expect our home to be different.
You play the narcissist card,
subtly implying that either
we are, could be, would be or should be
different than those other tribes.
But here’s the thing.
We are ALL self-indulgent narcissists,
and some of us don’t mind saying so.
We don’t entertain wrong or right here.
We do what our souls adore.
We are selfish selves,
like most other selves,
who don’t enjoy being around
the ungrateful, the unpleasant
and the discourteous.
We no longer count the coins of “moral duty” here
because — as you yourself demonstrate — our shiniest,
most righteous virtues can be toxic.
And so your self is left all by itself.
Denied.
What a great opportunity for you to study it.
Glad we could provide.
Trail Wood,
11/12
The prose “You’re Welcome” unfolds as a stark meditation on the nature of sanctuary, expectations, and self-awareness. It reflects on the dynamics of offering refuge and the complexities that arise when ideals clash with the reality of human behavior.
Sanctuary Amidst Judgment
The prose opens with a scenario of one seeking shelter, critiquing their past accommodations, and setting a stage where they expect a different treatment. This echoes the wider human condition where individuals often seek new environments hoping for acceptance while carrying the burden of past judgments.
Expectations and Self-Perception
It then confronts the notion of the “narcissist card” — the idea that by asking for exceptionality, one is implying that their needs should supersede communal harmony. This is a mirror to the societal dance where every individual is, to some extent, self-serving, a dance that is openly acknowledged in this space of sanctuary.
Rejection of Moral Accounting
Moving deeper, the prose rejects the conventional coins of “moral duty,” suggesting that even the most lauded virtues can become toxic. It points to the inherent subjectivity in what is deemed right or wrong and the liberation found in embracing one’s true nature without pretense.
Self-Reflection as Opportunity
The conclusion offers a twist: denial of sanctuary is framed not as a rejection but as an opportunity for self-study. In being turned away, one is given a chance to confront their own self, stripped of the expectations and judgments of others.
Summary
We are pondering prose that presents a candid perspective on the nature of seeking and granting sanctuary, challenging the ideals of acceptance and the expectations of behavior. It calls out the universal self-indulgence inherent in humanity and proposes that denial of refuge can be an opportunity for profound self-reflection.
Glossarium
- Sanctuary: A place of refuge and safety, often sought in times of need.
- Narcissist Card: A metaphor for the expectation of preferential treatment based on self-importance.
- Moral Duty: The obligation to act righteously according to societal standards.
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” – Carl Jung
In the poetic realm of introspection, the prose “You’re Welcome” serves as a reminder of our inherent self-centered nature and the liberation that comes with honesty about it.
A Reflective Soliloquy on Selfhood
At the doorstep of self, we knock,
Expecting the world to align with our clock.
“You’re Welcome,” the prose boldly states,
In self-reflection, our true self waits.
We wear the masks of courtesy and right,
But in our souls, we embrace the night.
“You’re Welcome,” a phrase turned on its head,
In denial, a chance to find where we’re led.
We are the seekers, the truth in the mirror,
In the solitude of self, we see clearer.
“You’re Welcome,” the irony rings true,
In the journey of self, we find our due.
We invite musings on this invitation to introspection, where the challenge of finding sanctuary becomes a profound opportunity to confront and embrace the solitude of one’s true self.
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