Summary

The website content reflects on the use of distraction techniques to cope with the harsh realities of life, juxtaposing mundane tasks and the privileged existence of the author against the backdrop of a distant war.

Abstract

The text titled "Distraction Techniques" delves into the author's personal coping mechanisms in the face of global turmoil, specifically the ongoing war. It paints a picture of a life filled with domestic chores, artistic preparations, and social engagements, which serve as a buffer against the grim news of violence and suffering. The author acknowledges the stark contrast between their own concerns, such as preparing for an art show, planning family gatherings, and maintaining a stylish home, with the silent suffering of those affected by the war. Despite the awareness of the war's atrocities, there is a sense of detachment as the author engages in daily routines and trivial decisions, highlighting the dissonance between the peace and comfort of their own life and the distant horrors.

Opinions

The author recognizes the irony in focusing on superficial tasks while being aware of the war's atrocities.
There is a sense of guilt associated with the privilege of living a life of choice and comfort.
The author admits to being part of the "distracted," those who use daily tasks as a means to avoid confronting the harsh realities of the world.
The text suggests that the constant barrage of news and expert debates about the war creates a background noise that is both heard and ignored.
The author implies that the collective silence and inaction in the face of war will leave a lasting scar on society, particularly on those who have the privilege to live comfortably.

Distraction Techniques

Anything but Reality

There are things to do:

Washing sheets before the next batch of guests, advance cooking -

the opening on Sunday of my latest Show…

Last-minute framing to focus, labels to justify, marketing to attract

a gathering of friends and supporters to a place for a party…

Things to do:

phoning the family — holding it together — keeping contact,

will the kids be here for Easter?

Definitely, a hot-tub evening planned on a roof if not -

should I construct a Hunt??

Then — the apero for the Norwegian clients -

tomorrow!

That means housework — I need to disguise my old cracks with stencils, literally.

Keep it arty — boho — throws, and buckets of roses…

(But — The War…)

Things always to do — daily tasks and habits to be observed to preserve.

Surface contentment:

I am where I want to be — man, kids, whether it’s Easter or not -

Ancient rituals — points of pause in time -that has paused.

The earth holds its breath today.

Stuff to sort whilst the sea meets the sky in a soft, grey wrap,

hardly breathing

with a stylish sliver of silver

as the sun hesitates behind the clouds.

To emerge, brightly — or rest coquettish?

Stuff to do…

(Mass graves, limbs hacked off — children — rape — )

The cover of the Ringo settee needs a wash and a lunch decision is urgent

whilst the creation of an egg hunt can wait until tomorrow and cut card takes precedence

and the silent suffering of our neighbours in the East

is buried in plastic bags

as a yacht cuts the indifferent grey view from my stone perch on this ideal beach.

THE WAR!

Silence behind the chatter of the old swimmers readying themselves for the slap of cold water that keeps them alive.

Silence on the airwaves where experts explain, debate — try not to alarm anyone still listening.

( We are all listening)

Silence corporeal.

Heavy, beating — loaded with stuff not said, stuff not done — apparently for the collective good.

I join the ranks of the distracted — those with important, daily tasks to complete and tick off

before attacking a new list tomorrow.

Meanwhile, our silence marks us all and will scar us blackly

we privileged few, living with choices on a beach.

Where the warm grey presses down,

Pushing us all, head down, into the sand.