Fasten your seat belt. A life saving preserver for the freezing North Sea. Would be nice if there was a toaster oven to keep you warm. Your writing challenges protocol and I too would want a drink but I have sat as a filleted sardine in a tin canon numerous journeys uncomfortable with trying to get my and head to rest and keep warm with a thin napkin called a blanket. I do shout for a drink to go with my peanuts snack. Wracked with wonder outside watching though a porthole above clouds and populated towns below. You have captured in a capsule a pill that continues to be hard to swallow as well as travel the friendly skies, rails and seas.
“roads that partition the wild creatures into enormous blocks of isolation”
That is good writing Jonathan, all of it. I would guess you often feel as off kilter as Neo in the first part of the Matrix. You have a very clear, clean and direct style and I am certain you will one day turn it towards something large and powerful.
Have you read “Ishmael” or did I already ask you? Thanks
Brilliant deduction. I always thought the opening scene to The Matrix was a documentary 😉
You did ask me about Ismael, I think it was on A Wild And Tumbling Wind, not sure. I read it a million years ago but you know how it is, got to read it again, can’t remember anything!
But thank you Wes, I really hope you’re right, I would love to write something of value in the future (or now), thanks for reading pal 🙏🏼
You have just succeeded in writing, somehow with such elegance, on a subject that is anything but. I am always impressed by your ability to entwine something essentially difficult or problematic into prose… this is brilliant Jonathan.
I do not fly, not through any fear of flying although I am fearful always of the effectiveness of a flimsy yellow life jacket supposedly designed to save us should the aircraft plummet into the sea, I don’t fly because I cannot justify the necessity. It is a luxury - said with tongue in cheek of course because mostly it’s hours of discomfort and waiting and eating horribly expensive plastic soaked processed food - that we have not only taken for granted but abused…
“…where we are whisked upwards on huge escalators toward an ever increasing dosage of power.”
This line just about sums up air travel in its entirety! My carbon footprints are negligible, this industry and those who consistently use it for whatever whim takes their fancy, stag nights in Amsterdam, shopping weekends in NY, do they not consider the environmental effect?
I’ll stop, for fear of spending my morning ranting…
May your day be gentle, quiet, and comfortable, may you look up to the sky and see birds not contrails…
I would be more than happy to never fly again. Boats and trains would be sufficient for long haul travel if necessary. Unfortunately I don’t actually get to make a free decision based on my conscience, such is the feudal nature of my current employment. Luckily these journeys are rare.
I’ve worked in the past with youth environmental activists and have spent plenty of time talking about climate chaos etc. so this journey also added to my hypocrisy, guilt and culpability 😂
So yeah, you’re 100% correct.
It is fascinating, if you are ever compelled to travel by plane, how analogous it is to the neoliberal experience of being a so-called citizen. Very much about partitioning, power and control and essentially shallow and unrewarding. Like being involved in a terrible game show instead of being a dignified, collaborative human.
I also had work, eons ago, where I was obliged to travel Jonathan, I understand the lack of decision on your part… it was for that reason I left well paid work for the struggle of what I have now. And I wouldn’t change a second of it.
Segregation of status… no I want start! Imagine angry or swearing emoji, is there a blood boiling emoji perhaps?
I’m walking and breathing… it’s beautiful and honest!
He he, if only 😂 Im not (never have been) well paid. I’m in the ever growing precariat of those who work but are only a pay check or two from destitution. Which leaves me unable to (currently) make the choice to live alternatively.
But I will change my life options (I’m working on it). I have to. We all do. I think my life is (mostly) wonderful but I’m (we’re all) entangled in an ever coming debt stream of bills and obligations which handcuff me to a set of behaviours I don’t want to participate in.
There are a set of powerful underlying systemic reasons for the situation we all find ourselves in that can’t easily be solved through individual choices.
I’m know you know all this, Susie. I’m not preaching to or disagreeing with you in any way. I think a lot of my writing deals with these themes, even this piece.
Anyway, have a beautiful Saturday and thanks for letting me express all this :)
Everything you say here is eloquently reflected in your writing Jonathan, always, it’s why I love every word.
I know I am fortunate to have been able, or at least had the courage to change mine… we have gone without so much of every luxury in life in order to do so which in hindsight, had we both, my husband and I, been less impulsive and a little more willing to continue earning despite obvious grievances, we probably wouldn’t have. ‘Carpe diem’ - it’s a wonderful philosophy but not always sustainable.
You are right to work towards your goal, to work through the obligations to an eventual peacefulness, don’t ever lose sight of it - I’m sure you won’t!
I think what you've done (are doing) is inspiring and wonderful Susie, (I won't say cool again ;) The tight social behavioural patterns we are so often funnelled into are constricting and foolhardy, and I love seeing people breaking from the chains of expectation and going their own way. My eyes are firmly on such a prize!
Besides, someone who writes like you shouldn't be forced to do anything except wander the hills and report for the rest of us! Lovely talking with you as usual :)
Yep, the circus leaders storm along whilst we clowns feel more and more at odds. I reckon being "out of kilter" is pretty much standard these days. Funny old world.
This phrase: "As we succeed through the various stages..." particularly caught my attention. The idea that just walking through an airport is a set of challenges, of judgements we must face to qualify as a valid traveler. Beautiful.
Whoa! OMG, Jonathan! You've summed up beautifully, all those feelings I used to feel when I had to travel for work purposes. I hated it. Every second of it.
You hit the nail on the head, "There is nothing organic or instinctive here. Only certain behaviours are privileged. Everything else is designed out of existence." What if the contrary behaviors are the correct ones? What if isn't even the right way to frame that. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. For being so eloquent in your truth telling and for making us all consider there is a better way. XO
Thanks Danielle, and I so agree, although I’d say not “what if” but that “contrary behaviours” are definitely more in tune with the natural human condition. These airports (and economies) are essentially mechanical systems into which we are incarcerated and through which we are propelled. Not designed to benefit the human, but the owner of the system.
Thanks so much for reading and understanding Danielle, it’s a real pleasure to share and been seen :)
Thanks Jonathan. You’ve just added a new multifaceted list to my own reasons of why I hate flying . Yes, this is how I always feel , well, at least the part about screaming.
“…for crying out loud let’s try the truth, I want to scream, from my broken Seat F in a cramped Row 9.”
“I’m flying in a theatre, conjured up out of absolutely nothing …”
We are not the only ones Lor, but I feel that current economic/social values are less orientated toward those that feel alienated, or trapped, or isolated etc. etc. and more concerned with pure unadulterated power and profit.
Unfortunately this feeling of isolation is being harnessed for dreadful ends and to orchestrate more anger than love. But at least we get some entertaining stories on substack ;)
And luckily some of us are surrounded by an abundance of love , to ward off the anger.
Speaking of entertainment, on a scary note; are they producing electric “ Sleeping Whales “ in your part of the world? I think I’ll wait for them to get the ‘kinks’
I remember something my brother said, “It’s like I have a good gun and great aim but I don’t know where to point it.” He soon after began his 50+ years as a research scientist at the Smithsonian and hit a lot of targets. I feel certain that you will too and here I am just referring to writing. You may have already done wonderful things with love and family. Yer pal, Wes. Ps I’ve finished my book of poetry, 107 poems, 167 pages. Will be ready in June sometime.
How do I et a copy of your book Wes? I'd love to have one. Send a link as soon as I can buy one.
I share your brother's feeling somewhat. I think it's pretty common amongst feeling people these days. But I'm truly encouraged by your kind support. A genuine thanks :)
Fasten your seat belt. A life saving preserver for the freezing North Sea. Would be nice if there was a toaster oven to keep you warm. Your writing challenges protocol and I too would want a drink but I have sat as a filleted sardine in a tin canon numerous journeys uncomfortable with trying to get my and head to rest and keep warm with a thin napkin called a blanket. I do shout for a drink to go with my peanuts snack. Wracked with wonder outside watching though a porthole above clouds and populated towns below. You have captured in a capsule a pill that continues to be hard to swallow as well as travel the friendly skies, rails and seas.
You're comments are like mini joys Richard. Love it. Thanks so much. Challenging protocol - it's my job ;)
“roads that partition the wild creatures into enormous blocks of isolation”
That is good writing Jonathan, all of it. I would guess you often feel as off kilter as Neo in the first part of the Matrix. You have a very clear, clean and direct style and I am certain you will one day turn it towards something large and powerful.
Have you read “Ishmael” or did I already ask you? Thanks
Brilliant deduction. I always thought the opening scene to The Matrix was a documentary 😉
You did ask me about Ismael, I think it was on A Wild And Tumbling Wind, not sure. I read it a million years ago but you know how it is, got to read it again, can’t remember anything!
But thank you Wes, I really hope you’re right, I would love to write something of value in the future (or now), thanks for reading pal 🙏🏼
That line nearly took my head off!
Snap!
You have just succeeded in writing, somehow with such elegance, on a subject that is anything but. I am always impressed by your ability to entwine something essentially difficult or problematic into prose… this is brilliant Jonathan.
I do not fly, not through any fear of flying although I am fearful always of the effectiveness of a flimsy yellow life jacket supposedly designed to save us should the aircraft plummet into the sea, I don’t fly because I cannot justify the necessity. It is a luxury - said with tongue in cheek of course because mostly it’s hours of discomfort and waiting and eating horribly expensive plastic soaked processed food - that we have not only taken for granted but abused…
“…where we are whisked upwards on huge escalators toward an ever increasing dosage of power.”
This line just about sums up air travel in its entirety! My carbon footprints are negligible, this industry and those who consistently use it for whatever whim takes their fancy, stag nights in Amsterdam, shopping weekends in NY, do they not consider the environmental effect?
I’ll stop, for fear of spending my morning ranting…
May your day be gentle, quiet, and comfortable, may you look up to the sky and see birds not contrails…
Brilliant comment Susie, I couldn’t agree more.
I would be more than happy to never fly again. Boats and trains would be sufficient for long haul travel if necessary. Unfortunately I don’t actually get to make a free decision based on my conscience, such is the feudal nature of my current employment. Luckily these journeys are rare.
I’ve worked in the past with youth environmental activists and have spent plenty of time talking about climate chaos etc. so this journey also added to my hypocrisy, guilt and culpability 😂
So yeah, you’re 100% correct.
It is fascinating, if you are ever compelled to travel by plane, how analogous it is to the neoliberal experience of being a so-called citizen. Very much about partitioning, power and control and essentially shallow and unrewarding. Like being involved in a terrible game show instead of being a dignified, collaborative human.
Keep walking my friend :)
I also had work, eons ago, where I was obliged to travel Jonathan, I understand the lack of decision on your part… it was for that reason I left well paid work for the struggle of what I have now. And I wouldn’t change a second of it.
Segregation of status… no I want start! Imagine angry or swearing emoji, is there a blood boiling emoji perhaps?
I’m walking and breathing… it’s beautiful and honest!
He he, if only 😂 Im not (never have been) well paid. I’m in the ever growing precariat of those who work but are only a pay check or two from destitution. Which leaves me unable to (currently) make the choice to live alternatively.
But I will change my life options (I’m working on it). I have to. We all do. I think my life is (mostly) wonderful but I’m (we’re all) entangled in an ever coming debt stream of bills and obligations which handcuff me to a set of behaviours I don’t want to participate in.
There are a set of powerful underlying systemic reasons for the situation we all find ourselves in that can’t easily be solved through individual choices.
I’m know you know all this, Susie. I’m not preaching to or disagreeing with you in any way. I think a lot of my writing deals with these themes, even this piece.
Anyway, have a beautiful Saturday and thanks for letting me express all this :)
Everything you say here is eloquently reflected in your writing Jonathan, always, it’s why I love every word.
I know I am fortunate to have been able, or at least had the courage to change mine… we have gone without so much of every luxury in life in order to do so which in hindsight, had we both, my husband and I, been less impulsive and a little more willing to continue earning despite obvious grievances, we probably wouldn’t have. ‘Carpe diem’ - it’s a wonderful philosophy but not always sustainable.
You are right to work towards your goal, to work through the obligations to an eventual peacefulness, don’t ever lose sight of it - I’m sure you won’t!
I think what you've done (are doing) is inspiring and wonderful Susie, (I won't say cool again ;) The tight social behavioural patterns we are so often funnelled into are constricting and foolhardy, and I love seeing people breaking from the chains of expectation and going their own way. My eyes are firmly on such a prize!
Besides, someone who writes like you shouldn't be forced to do anything except wander the hills and report for the rest of us! Lovely talking with you as usual :)
Great work, you neatly summed up why I constantly feel so out of kilter. More please.
Thanks Nige(l).
Yep, the circus leaders storm along whilst we clowns feel more and more at odds. I reckon being "out of kilter" is pretty much standard these days. Funny old world.
Wonderful Jonathon, I love your craftsmanship.
This phrase: "As we succeed through the various stages..." particularly caught my attention. The idea that just walking through an airport is a set of challenges, of judgements we must face to qualify as a valid traveler. Beautiful.
Thanks Peter. I love the idea of craftsmanship so I'm flattered by that kind assessment.
Airports eh, an analogy to modern life for sure ;)
Whoa! OMG, Jonathan! You've summed up beautifully, all those feelings I used to feel when I had to travel for work purposes. I hated it. Every second of it.
You hit the nail on the head, "There is nothing organic or instinctive here. Only certain behaviours are privileged. Everything else is designed out of existence." What if the contrary behaviors are the correct ones? What if isn't even the right way to frame that. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. For being so eloquent in your truth telling and for making us all consider there is a better way. XO
Thanks Danielle, and I so agree, although I’d say not “what if” but that “contrary behaviours” are definitely more in tune with the natural human condition. These airports (and economies) are essentially mechanical systems into which we are incarcerated and through which we are propelled. Not designed to benefit the human, but the owner of the system.
Thanks so much for reading and understanding Danielle, it’s a real pleasure to share and been seen :)
Excellent! I guess my trip from Gothenburg on the Saga to London was far more relaxing with good food!
More of a Saga for less of a saga? Sounds like a great trip :)
To be it was a luxury liner which held cars for 36 hours while we ate and frolicked😂😂
Brilliantly written.
Thanks so much Kevin, seriously 🙏🏼
Thanks Jonathan. You’ve just added a new multifaceted list to my own reasons of why I hate flying . Yes, this is how I always feel , well, at least the part about screaming.
“…for crying out loud let’s try the truth, I want to scream, from my broken Seat F in a cramped Row 9.”
“I’m flying in a theatre, conjured up out of absolutely nothing …”
Are we the only ones who feel trapped?
We are not the only ones Lor, but I feel that current economic/social values are less orientated toward those that feel alienated, or trapped, or isolated etc. etc. and more concerned with pure unadulterated power and profit.
Unfortunately this feeling of isolation is being harnessed for dreadful ends and to orchestrate more anger than love. But at least we get some entertaining stories on substack ;)
And luckily some of us are surrounded by an abundance of love , to ward off the anger.
Speaking of entertainment, on a scary note; are they producing electric “ Sleeping Whales “ in your part of the world? I think I’ll wait for them to get the ‘kinks’
out, may be in another 25 years or so…
Imagine how long the cords will have to be!
I remember something my brother said, “It’s like I have a good gun and great aim but I don’t know where to point it.” He soon after began his 50+ years as a research scientist at the Smithsonian and hit a lot of targets. I feel certain that you will too and here I am just referring to writing. You may have already done wonderful things with love and family. Yer pal, Wes. Ps I’ve finished my book of poetry, 107 poems, 167 pages. Will be ready in June sometime.
How do I et a copy of your book Wes? I'd love to have one. Send a link as soon as I can buy one.
I share your brother's feeling somewhat. I think it's pretty common amongst feeling people these days. But I'm truly encouraged by your kind support. A genuine thanks :)
When I have it worked out I'll send out an announcement on Substack.