We Should Probably Thank Our Nascent Nausea

Summary

The poem "We Should Probably Thank Our Nascent Nausea" reflects on the body's warning signs as a reason for gratitude.

Abstract

The poem "We Should Probably Thank Our Nascent Nausea" delves into the concept of bodily signals as a form of communication. It suggests that when one ignores their body's subtle cues for an extended period, more drastic measures, such as discomfort or illness, become necessary to capture attention. The author personifies the body as a resilient entity that resorts to 'screaming and shouting' through pain or nausea to convey the presence of harm or toxicity. This internal alarm system is likened to 'fires and flames' sending 'smoke signals' about the need for change or self-examination. The poem emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and respecting these signals, as ignoring them leads to a forced reckoning, metaphorically represented as being brought to one's knees or facing the consequences financially or spiritually. Ultimately, the poem advocates for a recognition of the body's messages, even when they are unpleasant, as a vital form of self-preservation.

Opinions

The author believes that the body's discomfort is a critical alert system that should not be ignored.
There is an underlying appreciation for the body's ability to signal distress, even if it is through unpleasant sensations like nausea.
The poem suggests that neglecting the body's warnings can lead to more severe outcomes, implying a need for self-care and awareness.
Respect for the body's messages is portrayed as essential, with the poem suggesting that such respect is owed to one's own well-being, akin to a religious reverence.
The author conveys a sense of gratitude towards the body's natural defense mechanisms, despite their sometimes harsh nature.

a poem that doesn’t shoot the messenger

One Hundred Days of Gratitude. Thirty-nine.

When you don’t listen for long enough your body screams and shouts. It has to.

— into your brain and gut I guess burns the beacons it’s built to warn the rest of danger and damage being done.

Fires and flames sending smoke signals about pain or poison or fun a not-so-subtle sign to change or check.

You know there’s a cause cause here’s the effect.

When you block your body almost all the way out—

it demands to be dealt with to deserve your god damned respect

brings you down to your knees and up to your neck

leaves you worshiping your god and / or the golden throne and / or stuck with the cheque.

But even if it doesn’t bluff and does make me choke, I’d still rather my fires have smoke.