STRANDED!
We all gotta die.
Should we die striving toward the ideal or wallowing in the cesspit of the actual?
I used to call folks out on their lies, but I learned it was best to leave them to tie themselves up in knots.
After all, if we’re both stranded in the web, how am I gonna help ‘em out?
***** * *****
The Key
Individuation is key.
<>
Becoming
an individual
does not mean
that we separate
our
selves.
<>
It means
we take
the responsibility
to become
strong enough
to withstand
the collective brand
so we can better it
with a discerning mind
and a guiding hand.
<>
Individual: NOT DIVIDED IN ONE’S SELF. WHOLE. NOT ALONE. NOT ISOLATED. BUT WHOLE.
<>
(A gear with broken teeth is no good to the clock.
Each separate part must be whole for the clock to accurately tell the time.
Otherwise, the clock will not work.
Wanna open that locked door, eh?
Need the key, don’tcha?
Individuation is key.)
<>
“Fuck that,” I hear you say. “I’ll just break it down.”
Go ahead.
Break it down.
Won’t be nothin’ in there but you and the empty ruin you made of your life.
People who work together will go on to build something else while you revel in your power to destroy.
<>
Okay, then, fine, you think secretly, with that silly smirk on your face. I’ll befriend someone who has the key and get them to let me in.
Sure. But eventually they’ll lock you out again when they realize what a manipulative little shit you are.
<>
“I’ll steal the key then!” You say out loud before you can cover your traitor mouth with your
Oh
Too
Slow
Hands.
Go right ahead.
Go in.
Lock the others out.
Don’t worry.
They won’t come back.
<>
They won’t even knock
or say goodbye.
<>
They’ll be so relieved
to finally move on
to open spaces
and honest ways
while you take the time
to work on your self.
<>
See how it all comes around?
<>
You were so focused
on getting through the door,
you forgot about the key!
<>
It ain’t in no one else’s hand.
<>
It’s yours to make,
And it is
ironically
iconically
sardonically
UNIVERSAL.
<>
Individuation is key.
About the Creator
C. Rommial Butler
C. Rommial Butler is a writer, musician and philosopher from Indianapolis, IN. His works can be found online through multiple streaming services and booksellers.
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Comments (11)
An interesting commentary on the collective success being dependent upon the efficacy of each part! “Each separate part must be whole for the clock to accurately tell the time.” And well done with the door/key analogy, very well expanded
That is very true and it's so deep. Certainly very thought provoking. It's brilliant!
Interesting. I not only learned a new word but understand it's importance in the collective. Another fine performance, my friend. Take a bow...👏👏👏
We are all individuals and must do what we must do to learn right from wrong and to me that is the key and I probably did not read the poem right.
I always need a reread with your psychological thrillers...so much wisdom infused in them/ yep...we tend to outfox ourselves trying to outfox others.
'Sup Cr - How interesting - As a manipulative little Sh*t - Off to the 'Cesspit' with me...! Jk.bud.in.l.a.
What a wonderful world this would be if we each follow this simple realistic yet common sense appproach.
I do love it when you get to philosophising which is, er, always.
And this is the essence of humanity, Charles. I second Tim's comment.
There was a synchronistic resonance here with the latest piece from Ellie Hoovs, so I added her poem The Clock, whcih is part of her greater Wonderland Challenge, as a link inside my piece!
Painful truths wrapped in powerful words. Great job!