Betweenness.

Summary

The text reflects on the concept of "Betweenness," a state of indecision and hesitation when faced with life's choices and obligations, particularly focusing on the author's personal struggle with a government-mandated medical assessment for a driver's license.

Abstract

The poem "Betweenness" by John Rose delves into the psychological limbo one experiences when caught between ideas and actions. The author describes a mood of uncertainty and procrastination, likening it to being at a dinner not knowing where to begin, and facing the dilemma of choosing between beef or potato. This state of inaction is further complicated by the need to confront past issues or looming challenges, which induces a sense of malaise. The author feels that seeking sympathy is not a viable option as it admits weakness and creates dependency. The poem takes a personal turn when the author reveals a government notice requiring a mandatory medical assessment for their driver's license, which dredges up past health struggles and the frustration of dealing with outdated records. Despite the resentment and worry over privacy, the author acknowledges the necessity to comply and not let emotions exacerbate the situation.

Opinions

The author perceives the state of "Betweenness" as a shadowy world, a vacuum that exists between reasoning, ideas, and actions.
There is a clear frustration with the government's intrusion into personal matters, particularly with the mandatory medical assessment.
The author feels that the government's requirements are an unwelcome reminder of past health struggles and the ongoing effort to maintain health.
Writing the poem is seen as an insufficient solution to the author's predicament, highlighting the depth of their internal conflict.
The author expresses a deep resentment towards the actions they must take to comply with the government's demands, despite understanding the importance of not procrastinating.
There is a concern about the security of personal information in the context of cyber attacks, adding to the reasons for procrastination.
The author recognizes that allowing emotions to dictate their response could worsen the situation, indicating a level of self-awareness and resolve to overcome the emotional barriers to action.

Shadow world. Vacuum between reasoning, ideas and actions.

Betweenness. Study in Rock, Sand and Light by John Rose.

Morning’s light, Shaded clouds, Mind in shadows seeking thoughts, Betweenness.

Neither mist nor fog, Perceive ideas quite clearly surrounding me, Just beyond cognitive reach, Betweenness.

Know this mood from years long gone, Like sitting at dinner wondering where to start, Beef or potato, Betweenness.

Putting off distasteful or confronting things, Reminders of past or harbingers of trying times, Malaise spreads to everything, Betweenness.

No use seeking sympathy as that requires admitting weakness and creates dependency, Even writing this poem is no solution, Betweenness.

Focus and tackle issue. Study in rock sand and light by John Rose.

Cause is near me, Government notice, Mandatory medical assessment for drivers license, Reminder of struggle to manage and maintain health, Successful so far but old records persist, No amount of arguing will avoid complying.

Eyes focussed notice’s particulars, Cold and sterile words, Nothing for it, Booked appointment bought forward quarterly tests plus arrange to send government test results, Deeply resented action taken.

Loathe government intrusion and worry about cyber attacks, Lots of reasons for procrastination but mustn’t allow annoyance and deep emotions to make matters worse, Betweenness.

Blessed be.