(Im)balance

Summary

The poem "(Im)balance" by Jonathan Greene reflects on the struggle and paradoxical comfort found in the experience of instability during challenging times.

Abstract

The poem delves into the theme of feeling out of balance due to a heavy burden, where the speaker finds solace in the very state of imbalance. It conveys a sense of unease with normalcy and the constant effort to maintain equilibrium, likening the experience to vertigo. The speaker muses on the idea that perhaps this imbalance is a necessary counterbalance to face reality and avoid complacency amidst chaos. The poem suggests that acknowledging and embracing the imbalance could be a form of self-preservation and a way to navigate the tumultuousness of life.

Opinions

The author expresses a preference for the feeling of imbalance, viewing it as a grounding force in uncertain times.
There is a reflection on the past perception of self as balanced, contrasting with the internal chaos that was always present.
The poem suggests that the current state of imbalance is temporary and serves as a reminder to stay vigilant in the face of external turmoil.
The speaker sees the experience of imbalance as a protective mechanism, a way to remain sane in a world that feels crazy.
There is an acknowledgment that the pursuit of balance may involve overcorrection and instability, which is part of the human condition.
The poem implies that the speaker's internal adjustments are a natural response to life's changes and that acceptance of imbalance is key to moving forward.

A Poem

It’s hard to feel content with this weight pulling on me, leaving me out of balance

The weight is so heavy, a burden I can’t bear, and all I can think of is to stand straight and maintain my balance through it all No matter what comes at me I must maintain this (im)balance

It’s a rocking inside of me An uneasiness with what is normal, tipping me to one side until I tip back and regain my balance But in order to regain stability I have to overcorrect, swaying toward oblivion just to get traction again

I have no equilibrium Vertigo feels like sanity as the world swirls and I fall to one side losing my balance And maybe it’s actually the (im)balance that is a relief right now because if I felt centered in times like these I wouldn’t be paying attention to the maelstrom

I like this feeling of (im)balance because it’s the only thing grounding me in tenuous times Maybe it’s the counterbalance that I need to be realistic and stay inside and away from the chaos of breath that is passing between us

I wonder if I was ever truly proportionate as a person Even keel, symmetrical I know I seemed that way on the outside, but really the inside was mayhem And now that characteristic is allowing me to feel this (im)balance and know that’s all it is A tipping to one side A temporary adjustment A blip on the radar that will disappear and allow us to move on

I am not out of balance even though I am dizzy I am just adjusting and by the time I get there, everything will be different and I will realize that the way I stay sane in this crazy world is with my (im)balance

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