13 Comments
User's avatar
Gary Hoover's avatar

Canary, canary -

bright and yellow!

How can you be

Such a noisy fellow!

Don’t make a fuss-

Oh, what a crime!

Please keep aloof -

Now’s not the time!

Silence is golden

Wings be a-folden!

Lie down quietly

There in your cage.

There is money

To be made

There is money to be —

Peace2051's avatar

Wonderful poem, Gary! Explains so well why no one wants to hear the canaries.

Elizabeth's avatar

Thank you David for acknowledging the cognitive dissonance. I feel lighter now.

I just learned in class - we won't learn to swim until the flood waters are up to our 'bum.' The flood waters are too shallow now to learn much about ourselves.

So I'm hearing, I won't learn much about myself until I have to struggle...

Peace2051's avatar

Speaking of Cognitive Dissonance Experience...: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viO1qcfaYg0

G Azza's avatar

David,

your post inspired this response, intended both for you and to all of us who suffer from this super-sized cognitive dissonance, keep rattling those bars....

My dear friend

do you know that you are seen

are you aware that I care

have I held a mirror to reflect your resilience

shown you the shining example that you set

please know how magnificently human you are

my dear friend

my shining star

Steve Aman's avatar

Thank you, David. Well said, insightful, and always, you articulate very well and clearly. May your friends recovery be swift and complete.

jen's avatar

Personal collapse definitely mirrors societal / global collapse. It’s frightening. I’m glad you’re able to write about it and share with likeminded fellows! <3

Jim Cunningham's avatar

I'm getting an education in inner city life & sacrifice zones. I would have told you I would handle this better than I am. I am not as tough as I remember David.

I hope you & friend recover soon.

Stephanie C. Bell's avatar

So resonant David. Paradoxes are everywhere! Seeing them is important. In fact, it might make all the difference.

Vj Ross's avatar

I shared with a brother your Personal Collapse. He had a similar experience with his special someone. I feel your letter will help him. Thank you.

Brad Maloney's avatar

Thank you David,

So well written, as always. I related to your thoughts one by one on a deep and personal level.

peta's avatar

Excellent post David. There is a lot to think about in your post. A lot; especially for know it all types like me who are probably going to crash and burn in the first phase of collapse before things even get really dire. Your special person is very fortunate; your dedication is inspiring and lovely.

Les Christianer's avatar

Thank you, David. Collapse continues to provide uncomfortable lessons and "opportunities for personal growth". Acknowledging the cognitive dissonance and accepting it as a coping mechanism may be helpful. My greatest challenge is my (temporary) comfort and relative insulation from the horrors others are enduring. The "bearing witness" and mutual aid I'm providing doesn't seem enough.