Summary

The article "The Deeps" by Carlo Zeno explores the depths of depression and the struggle to understand its sudden onset, with the author grappling with feelings of melancholy and ambiguity.

Abstract

"The Deeps" is a poignant reflection on the author's unexpected descent into a profound state of depression. The piece likens the experience to being submerged in deep, murky waters, where the waves of sorrow are overwhelming and inexplicable. Despite the author's previous stability, a sudden surge of sorrow takes hold, prompting introspection into potential causes such as blood sugar levels, chemical reactions, or even ancestral memories. The author admits to a lack of identifiable thoughts that could explain the intense emotions and describes a paralysis that inhibits the ability to write or articulate the feeling of falling endlessly. The article concludes with the author surrendering to these feelings, hoping to find a stopping point to the emotional descent, while acknowledging the existential questions that accompany the condition.

Opinions

The author conveys a sense of bewilderment at the sudden and unexplained nature of their depression.
There is a suggestion that the human condition is inherently linked to periods of "muddy misery."
The author questions the significance of their writing and experiences in the grand scheme of time.
The piece reflects a struggle with a critical inner voice that challenges the purpose and impact of one's actions.
The author implies that the act of writing is both a therapeutic and challenging endeavor in the face of depression.
There is an acknowledgment of the support from others, as indicated by the author's gratitude towards Ravyne Hawke and the consideration for Black Veil.
The author encourages readers to explore other works, suggesting a community of writers or a shared human experience through art and expression.

The Deeps

Ambiguity and melancholy

the depression was on, deep, without a bottom

human condition? maybe

but why were its waves so sudden, so heavy, so cold?

blue-green dirty waters like some polluted city harbor

did it start with a thought I did not register?

I know these well-worn human roads are full of muddy misery

no surprise there,

so why the sudden onslaught of incredible

sorrow?

I was fine all week, all month in fact

what happened?

blood sugar? chemical reaction? some buried memory from an ancestor? dread?

does this happen to you too?

I can’t even identify the thought which is making me feel

like this —

but a paralysis prevents me from writing

any

words

at every point a voice asks

why? for what? to whom? is anyone listening? what will it matter one hundred years from now?

and I have no comeback for that voice

so let me give in to it right now

and hope there will be a bottom,

a sea floor to finally stop the awful slow feeling of

falling.

_______________________

Thanks you to Ravyne Hawke for considering this piece for Black Veil.

Please take a moment to check out these two pieces by Kamna Kirti and M.T. Pariti 👇

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