avatarJ.D. Harms

Summary

The poem "Nihilist Fortune-Telling" reflects on the absurdity and despair of contemporary life, particularly in the context of a global pandemic.

Abstract

"Nihilist Fortune-Telling" is a poem that delves into the existential dread of modern times, where a pandemic has upended normalcy. It paints a picture of a world where the living are in a liminal space, not quite in the grave but facing the abyss of a society in disarray. The poem touches on themes of futility, the rejection of traditional values like fairness and meritocracy, and the desperate search for meaning amidst chaos. It criticizes the embrace of unproven remedies and the politicization of health, suggesting a society gripped by both fear and a sense of nihilism. The narrative voice rides a wave of rage, only to realize that their anger and philosophical musings may amount to nothing more than echoes in the void.

Opinions

  • The poem conveys a sense of disillusionment with the world's response to the pandemic, highlighting the absurdity of closing bars early to prevent sickness while people still fall ill.
  • It suggests that the pursuit of fairness and meritocracy is futile in the current climate, as society seems to favor arbitrary and unscientific solutions to its problems.
  • The text expresses a criticism of the embrace of unproven treatments and the politicization of public health, with people clinging to false hopes and dismissive attitudes.
  • The author seems to reflect on the nature of anger and intellectualism, implying that these may not lead to the desired outcomes or recognition, and one might end up merely echoing the thoughts of others without making a unique impact.

Nihilist Fortune-Telling

A Poem

Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash

There’s a hole staring at you but not quite six feet deep Not still at the bar after they close at 8 p.m. so the maskless fucks can’t get sick But then they do and the pressure is on the madness is not madness if you’ve got reasons I guess

Tempting to be beered out right now moaning fairness isn’t one of our conditions Not meritocracy either so they say And they say it with challenges to the depths of depraved dismissals hydrochloroquine drops IVs of determined lengths with absinthe instead of saline because why not If this is going to matter it’s not coming out of your mouth sir

Riding rage’s saddle side erupts into balls out the left ribs Telling Derrida off doesn’t get you where you thought your path started but of course when you are following the crushed weeds anyplace is good enough to sit down or howl about mountains till no one cares that you have only really aspired to be Echo

J.D. Harms 2020

Poetry
Politics
Senselessness
Image
Destruction
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