This poem was inspired by a call for contributions reflecting upon this past year of restrictions, confinements and more. The question asked was fairly simple: If the past twelve months of lockdowns and anxious projections are framed as a “journey to the Underworld”, what are we to remember from these experiences?
In return, I ask: Which Underworld are we even referring to? What is normality when what is enacted all around us feels abnormal? Where is wisdom when the wise seem to act foolishly?
Here are some thoughts for an answer.
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On dissent, consent, and Shadow as Friend
In a fearful world, Shadow is Friend.
Shadow knows that excess always hides another, deeper, more nuanced truth.
Shadow knows that no pandemic is endlessly endemic.
Shadow reminds us that dissent and consent point at something worthy of attention, so precious we almost forgot.
Shadow reminds us we are the Crafters of our Lives, of our Fates.
We are not All-Mighty Beings, but creative human beings responsible for our choices, our voices, our actions and reactions. No escape, no delegation. We are the Crafters of this World, as it was, as it is.
This World has been cast to the Underworld.
There, fear reveals the neediest and most dogmatic side of Humanity. No time to think, no time for questions, we need ACTION. Everyone locked up. Nurturing relationships severed. Mourning rituals obliterated. Suffering increased. All this because that is the only way.
Enters Shadow.
Shadow tells us of other ways if only we stand still enough, quiet enough within and outside of ourselves. Shadow speaks of dissent and consent.
Dissenting is not denying. Dissenting is not relinquishing all responsibility. Dissenting is questioning, probing, reflecting. Dissenting is daring to live according to the unique sound of our Soul despite the crushing pressure of fearful conformity.
Consenting is not validating everything and anything. Consenting is daring to live with others whose unique sounds may differ from ours, and creating harmony out of this diversity.
Shadow knows: We are the Crafters of this World, as it was, as it is. As it will be.
Poem by Cécile Rozuel, January 2021