Turbulence

Summary

"Turbulence" is a poetic reflection on chaos and stillness, evoking the tumultuous experience of a catastrophic event.

Abstract

The poem "Turbulence" captures the essence of chaos and stillness, likening the human experience to particles moving through space and time. It begins with a moment of tranquility, akin to a "frozen waterfall," which is abruptly shattered by a sudden catastrophe. The author describes a scene of destruction and confusion, filled with vivid imagery such as "metal upon metal" and "glass sliced." Amidst the chaos, there's a struggle for survival, a second birth from the "womb of darkness," and a yearning for the comfort of a mother's smile. The poem concludes with the speaker lost in a forest, reflecting on the aftermath of the event and the personal impact it has had.

Opinions

The author conveys a sense of abrupt transition from peace to chaos, highlighting the fragility of life's calm moments.
There is an underlying theme of existential reflection, as the speaker contemplates the nature of their experience and the broader context of existence.
The poem suggests a deep connection between the personal and the cosmic, with references to "entangled particles" and "Apollo and his great bow."
The imagery of "a frozen waterfall" and "vortices of doubt" implies a struggle to maintain order in the face of overwhelming forces.
The mention of "blue sky before singular darkness" and "elephants chasing stars" evokes a sense of wonder and surrealism amidst the chaos.
The author seems to grapple with the concept of rebirth or transformation, as indicated by the phrase "a second birth."
There is a palpable sense of fear and concern for loved ones, particularly the speaker's father and the desire to see their mother's smile again.
The poem reflects on the impact of trauma, with the speaker feeling disoriented and worried about the mundane (like chores) in the aftermath of a life-altering event.

We’re just entangled particles careening through space and time.

Stillness like a frozen waterfall entropy held at bay for just a moment or a few hundred days. Ink falling, twisting vortices of doubt in a cup of milk I had this morning and then came the crash of matters splattered upon a canvas I saw it in slow motion, just like a movie I heard you say, “get down.” Metal upon metal, roaring pterodactyl cries Forces throwing me away as glass sliced and laughed its way through our skin the cartoons running through my mind only a few minutes early recalling blue sky before singular darkness the clouds silhouetted above elephants chasing stars Apollo and his great bow flies Before the sound of the ambulance and a voice saying, “I’m pulling him out.” Out of what, I thought, a second birth or the womb of darkness that flicker of a fading light? now I’m wandering the forest, afraid I’m worried about father getting angry that I’d forget the chores About being lazy in the rubble About the light fading into night And all I wanted to do was wake up

and see my mother’s smile once more.

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