palegusts

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The philosophy of entanglement uncovers the intricate web of connections that bind all entities in existence, challenging the notion of isolation. At its core is Karen Barad’s concept of agential realism, which asserts that reality is co-constructed through relationships and interactions. This invites us to rethink our understanding of subjects and objects, proposing that individuals emerge from their connections to the world, much like a tapestry woven from countless threads, each one contributing to the larger design (Barad, 2007).

This idea resonates with holism, which argues that systems should be understood as cohesive wholes rather than mere collections of parts. Consider the delicate balance of a symphony, where each instrument contributes to a harmonious sound. In nature, every organism plays a vital role in sustaining the ecosystem’s equilibrium, underscoring how the health of one is inextricably linked to the well-being of the entire environment. Fritjof Capra emphasises this interconnectedness, noting that every element in nature is essential for the orchestra of life to perform its intricate melodies (Capra, 1996). This perspective prompts a deeper appreciation of the natural world, revealing that every interaction—whether between species or human beings—shapes the larger narrative of existence.

In this philosophical landscape, situated knowledges, articulated by Donna Haraway, illuminate how our experiences and perspectives shape our understanding of reality. Haraway argues that knowledge is not a detached observation but a narrative woven from our interactions (Haraway, 1991). This view calls for a more engaged approach to understanding oneself in relation to others, fostering empathy and collaboration instead of isolation. Our perceptions act like mirrors, reflecting and refracting the complexities of our experiences and the worlds we inhabit.

The concept of intra-action adds another layer to this framework, emphasising that entities do not simply interact; they co-constitute each other through their relationships. This challenges the traditional notion of individual agency, suggesting that actions ripple outward, influencing reality in profound ways. Each interaction acts like a pebble dropped into a pond, sending ripples across the surface, demonstrating how even small actions can have far-reaching effects.

Our perceptions serve as lenses through which we view the world, each uniquely tinted by our backgrounds and experiences. This interplay resembles a tennis match, where ideas are served back and forth, creating a dynamic exchange of perspectives. Just as players adjust their strategies based on the trajectory of the ball, we engage with the perceptions of others, allowing our views to be shaped and refined in the process. Each volley enriches our understanding, transforming perception from a passive reception into an active participant in the ongoing dialogue of existence.

Ultimately, the philosophy of entanglement nurtures a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things. It highlights the dynamic relationships that shape our lives, much like a flowing river, where every tributary contributes to the broader current. This perspective encourages a mindful and responsible approach to existence, nurturing a sense of belonging within the intricate web of life. By recognising the interplay between nature, human interactions, and self-expression, we can better understand our place within the grand design, fostering a deeper connection to the world around us.

References

• Barad, K. (2007). Meeting the Universe Halfway: Quantum Physics and the Entanglement of Matter and Meaning. Duke University Press.

• Capra, F. (1996). The Web of Life: A New Scientific Understanding of Living Systems. Anchor Books.

• Haraway, D. (1991). Simians, Cyborgs, and Women: The Reinvention of Nature. Routledge.

[palegusts]

I have the choice of being constantly active and happy or introspectively passive and sad. Or I can go mad by ricocheting in between. I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead; I lift my lids and all is born again.

- Sylvia Plath

[palegusts]

To Vanish

To vanish - not from Earth - but Sight,

A Pilgrim of the Heart's Night,

I tread - where Shadows - whisper sorry,

In landscapes - both stark - and starry.

Beneath - my feet - the Ground - does sway,

A Heart - unmoored - in Disarray,

Each step - a Quest - for Solid Stone,

Within - this vast - Unknown - alone.

My footsteps - echo - in the Hush,

Through Thickets - where the Wild Things rush,

A Quest - for Solace - or a Sign,

In every leaf's - design - Divine.

The world - it asks - where I have gone,

But Silence - is my sole - response,

For only - through this Sacred Roam,

Can I - at last - find way - to Home.

I'm sorry - whispers - to the Wind,

To those - I leave - but do not end,

A Vow - not light - but deeply cast,

"I'll be back" - when the Pilgrimage - is past.

The Heartbreak - my unbidden guide,

Its lessons - harsh - yet, opens wide,

The paths - that lead - to Inner Light,

And back to Love - from deepest Night.

[palegusts]

Crossways

He unknowingly disturbs my inner peace,

Echoes of misunderstood silences,

Passes over his head.

Realms do not cross here.

The only way it is is linear -

But I bend and curve,

Nuances and complexities,

Why the compliance to convention?

[palegusts]

Carnations

Bloom

Only to be picked off -

Carnations, incarnations

And incarcerations of

The soul, body and mind

Withered roots,

Stood on by black boots,

Men in suits,

Women -

Only for their pursuits

A seed is sewn;

We all reap what’s been grown

The unknown?

We can only hope

[palegusts]

Carnations

Bloom

Only to be picked off -

Carnations, incarnations

And incarcerations of

The soul, body and mind

Withered roots,

Stood on by black boots,

Men in suits,

Women -

Only for their pursuits

A seed is sewn;

We all reap what’s been grown

The unknown?

We can only hope

[palegusts]

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Harper Perennial Classics 

[palegusts]

swirling realities

automated is the word,

bearing in hindsight ~

the world is mine

at this time, at least

serene as the whisps

of winter's chill,

and speckles of snowflakes dust

on the torpid furze

pecked berries

as red as my heart,,

and twittering in the symphonies ~

of this interwoven worldly of worlds

vibrancy surpasses spheres,

oceans and whatnot /

resonance in dreams

and slips in golden reality

if you're on the water

i won't be treading lightly

but dancing in a lost

existence

[palegusts]

ah, yes,,, my 3 alignments,,,,

[palegusts]

Felled

I am verging on the edge of quiet,

I tip-toe around,

in the hopes I don't fall to the ground.

Your scream sears my ears

and I am left deaf;

unbalanced -

the least so elegant I am in my stance

I am not right - in every sense of the word.

I was left. And I urged to find my own way.

But I'm verging on the edge of quiet.

"It's a slippery slope", he said.

What a paradox.

[palegusts]

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i moped.

for all the things i gave they became a past;

and i was a side-order in the future

presently i became a blockage

isn’t it strange how we can block at this age?

i felt torn and unspoken

[palegusts]

drought

G. DGDGD. GD

And my insides begun

C. G

to sear,

who knew shedding felt like being

skinned alive.

C. G. D. G

Hidden away in the back garden,

D. G

rotting away.

E#. A#. C. D

Metallic rust penetrated the air,

because this place was abandoned

GAD. G. D. G. D. D

Discovery is hard when the lock still

D

remains.

C. D

pink roses fluorished here,

Now the dead-nettles suffocate the scene

The plastic window weeped with the rain,

surged with the raging wind,

The crow remains on the rooftop.

Don’t ask whether it was always there or not.

I don’t know.

I was too preoccupied by the scent of the rose

and on that day I went to the garden if eden,

the apple had already been bitten

fate was already written

[palegusts]

Sylvia Plath,  The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath.