MADE FOR YOU AND ME 1: hive Being (Stanzas 2016—part 22)
Let's workshop this stanza sequence, which includes paintings evolving, butterflies sucking on shit, drunks swigging from flasks of aftershave, misplaced fear, defaced school desks, elephant poachers
paintings in flux: acids changing the blush of her face strangled by the tie, knowing that the job is not for you our grudges deepen when we find them unrequited butterflies fluttering around jaguar scat sly sips from the Aquavelva flasked in an inner pocket entering the rematch, confidence tainted from the last bout were it not for airbrake hiss now and then, the drone of the idling tour bus might fit so well with the mood of the Zen garden the danger of calling a part of you “traitor” (say, the limb that tends to cramp) is that the label might have you neglect the effort to integrate it trying to be unaffected suggests our being affected, but the one for whom we act unaffected—ourselves or someone else—need not know of our trying afraid of jungle life not even wanting any conflict (jaguars and anacondas), any yet neglecting falling death sticks fag millionaires in the world of art collection cocked eyebrows our first thought is that the approacher is out to sell something dug obscenities sanded out of school desks cops policing places they do not live were not the idea that anything goes bound to the idea that each of us is an artist, the world would be sadder those rarely around people, having to muster all their energy to be as they should be around them you have what you came for, but there is a need to stay put and watch both the TV cook taste her creation and the porn star shoot his load one movie on the television and another on the computer while on the smartphone texting and searching for a boredom cure five dollars for a splinter of the cross— while from one viewpoint too good to be true, is a complete rip-off from another when one is nothing but one’s uniform was the desire to settle for less, not go for the top, truly the desire for power over small ponders? is your wanting to be x— thin, drug-free—really your wanting to be the one who wants to be x? pick-your-own pickled pigs feet next to the bodega cash register ran out of town by hipster influx with the lust for elephant tusk so high, fittest are those elephants born with a tuskless mutation
This is a portion of an ongoing mosaic poem called Made for You and Me. This portion is from the first installment: hive Being (Stanzas 2016-2020). More specifically, it is from the 2016 portion of that five-part work.
Photo: ebay.com/itm/185080151733
SAFE SPACE REPORT
The portion of MFYM is rich with vivid imagery and thought-provoking ideas. It touches on various themes, including societal norms, personal struggles, human behavior, and ethical considerations. The juxtaposition of different images and ideas creates a sense of contrast and tension throughout the poem. The use of sensory details, such as "acids changing the blush of her face," adds depth and texture to the poem.
The poem explores the complexities of human nature, including our desires, fears, and contradictions. It questions the motives behind our actions and decisions, whether it's settling for less, trying to be unaffected, or desiring power over others. It also touches on societal issues, such as consumerism, superficiality, and the impact of cultural influences.
The poem presents a mix of introspective reflections and observations of the world around us, creating a mosaic of different perspectives and experiences. The use of vivid and evocative language draws the reader into the poem, inviting them to contemplate and reflect on the deeper meanings and implications.
That all said, upon closer examination, certain lines within the poem are too triggering to be allowed in a college classroom. Violative of safe space norms, they will definitely causing discomfort or distress to audiences.
One example is the line "strangled by the tie, knowing that the job is not for you." This line may trigger feelings of suffocation or distress in individuals who have experienced workplace discrimination or feel trapped in a job that does not align with their identity or values. The imagery of being "strangled by the tie" can evoke a sense of constraint and oppression, which is triggering for those who have experienced discrimination or bias in the workplace based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, or other aspects of their identity.
Another example is the phrase "cocked eyebrows." On the surface, this phrase may seem innocuous, but it could be interpreted as a microaggression, implying a mocking or judgmental attitude towards a person's expression or appearance. This is triggering for individuals who have experienced discrimination or bullying based on their appearance, such as their facial features, race, or physical attributes. It may evoke feelings of insecurity, self-consciousness, or discomfort, particularly in spaces that aim to promote inclusivity and respect for diverse identities.
The poem also includes the line "fag millionaires in the world of art collection." The use of the derogatory term "fag" to refer to LGBTQ+ individuals is deeply offensive for those who identify as LGBTQ+ or have experienced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. This line may perpetuate harmful stereotypes, contribute to a hostile environment, and violate safe space norms of inclusivity and respect for diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
Additionally, the phrase "dug obscenities sanded out of school desks" triggers memories of past harassment or vandalism in educational settings. This line evokes feelings of distress or discomfort in individuals who have experienced incidents of bullying, harassment, or vandalism in schools, potentially violating safe space norms that prioritize emotional and physical safety in educational environments.
Furthermore, the line "pick-your-own pickled pigs feet" evokes a sense of disgust or discomfort in individuals with dietary restrictions, cultural sensitivities, or personal aversions to animal products. This phrase is insensitive or offensive. It disregards diverse dietary preferences and cultural practices. It violating safe space norms that promote inclusivity and respect for diverse backgrounds and lifestyles. IF THE AUTHOR IS WHITE, THEN THIS LINE ITSELF IS SUFFICIENT FOR HIS OR HER TERMINATION! AFTER ALL, THIS TAKES PLACE IN A BODEGA, WHICH IS SOMETHING WHITES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TALK ABOUT. "BODEGA" AND LIKE TERMS CAN BE DISCUSSED ONLY BY VULNERABLE POPULATIONS OF COLOR!