February 4th, 2008
Who’s in the Dark when You’re Alone?
“Don’t be a scaredy cat” isn’t good advice. There are
times when the imagination doesn’t master one’s fear.
fear like a dog stuffed in my mouth
fear like dung stuffed up my nose
fear where water turns into steel
fear as my breast flies into the disposal
fear as flies tremble in my ear
fear as the sun ignites in my lap
from a poem by Anne Sexton, The Death King
February 4th, 2008 at 2:19 am
I experienced fear in my life two times, both while sailing in rough and open water in a small sailing boat with a strong wind. I recognize it by a dry mouth (biological response). The feeling of being alone was all-overwhelming, even though there were passengers on my little boat, but I was the only experienced sailor and the responsibility enhanced the fear. Luckily nothing serious happened in both cases, and I hope the passengers didn’t notice how I felt. I wonder how people can live with daily feelings of fear like this, like in war areas, and I also wonder why people deliberately look up fear-creating situations such as moutaineers, ocean-sailors, war reporters and bungy jumpers. Maybe people differ in their fear-creating situations, what causes fear for some, will be a challenge for others, so I’m not scared in dark spaces with unfamiliar sounds. The bungy jumper might be scared e.g. when his father is shouting at him. I also ask myself what influence fear can have on thinking, and vice versa. Interesting research question!
February 4th, 2008 at 2:27 am
To answer the question: all the legions are making hums and silent noises, a phantom is walking behind my back, there is nothing under the bed but monster’s hand can grab from the toilet. Real danger makes them all illusions. Real danger has no face, no body, no avatar. Just a pump of adrenaline, nostrils widening and you see in the dark and move so graciously. It is nice to meet you, mydearself.
February 4th, 2008 at 4:56 am
What seems frightening sometimes is that it’s not all monsters und fantasy villains but that there is something dark in all of us. The trick, it appears, is to embrace the light, and to embrace and face the fear. A little bit of light can light up the darkness but a little bit of darkness does nothing to the light.
I can’t tell you enough how much I love your blog, Sera. Your drawings are beautiful, the photo today makes me a bit sad, and I loved the poem. Your a true artist.
February 4th, 2008 at 8:05 am
One of your best “comics” ever Sera, so deep & meaningful…
I’ll think a bit more about the answer.
And
“You’are a true artist”
I totally agree with Bettina
February 4th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Sometimes fear is the stuff of imagination and sometimes it’s the part of brain that goes into gear to ensure our survival. Adrenalin, heartrate, blood to limbs, eyes and ears perked to peak performance… and a split second response to fight or flight. Yikes. Things that go bump in the night….
Here’s a link to one of my most fearful moments http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=005036&tid=006
February 4th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
very beautiful post today. I really like it. Fear is sometimes a good thing.
February 4th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
damn, you are good. I might become addicted to show up as a regular - so be it.
February 4th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
I dunno, I ain’t afeard o’ much but horses. I figure with enough booze, you can overcome anything, or die.
Pretty much the way one should live their life.
Fear is for pussies, Kalkvasser(sp) is for the strong.
February 8th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Fear brings us together.